Karen Frances Hicks

Karen Frances Hicks, 67, of Rochester passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at her residence. She was born July 17, 1947 in Sewickley, daughter of the late Thomas F. and Phyllis (Haver) Leahey.

Karen was fortunate to enjoy a rewarding career with two local engineering firms. Her early years were with Forman Architects and Engineering, Inc., Zelienople; and later years with Daniel C. Baker and Associates, Ohioville.

Friends and neighbors will remember Karen as a kind and compassionate person. She was also an active census taker for a number of years. Karen attended St. Cecilia Catholic Church.

She was most affectionately known as “Memaw”, it was an endearing name that grew to represent the selfless love she had for her family. She was always involved in P.T.O., church activities, and the day to day support of her family. A loving support that she nurtured through the years as her family grew to include her wonderful and precious grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Karen is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law: Jeffrey and Tanya Hicks, New Sewickley Township; Michael and Jessica Hicks, Darlington; one daughter and son-in-law: Christine and Donnie Waldorf, Big Beaver Borough; eleven grandchildren: Michelle, Elijah, Olivia and Ava Hicks; Timothy, Kaycee, Tanner and Kourtnee Waldorf; Kelly (Richard) Howard; Isaiah Gasper and Alexis Hancock; two great grandchildren: Cameron and Nolan Howard; two brothers and a sister-in-law: Timothy and Sharon Leahey, Bloomingdale, PA; Wayne Leahey, Toledo, OH; four sisters and two brothers-in-law: Charlette Leahey, Freedom; Pamela and Wayne Anthony, Hanover Township; Nancy Branton, Carrollton, GA; Colleen and Phil Dempsey, Blairsville, PA; as well as caring friends and neighbors.

Friends will be received Tuesday, October 28, 2014 from 1-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. in the SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 273 Route 68, Rochester (GPS 848 Sunflower Road, adjacent to Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum). A blessing service will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, October 29, 2014 in the funeral home with Fr. Paul Kuppe, Pastor of St. Cecilia Catholic Church, officiating. Private entombment will follow in the Garden Mausoleum of Sylvania Hills Memorial Park. Online condolences may be offered at www.saul-gabauer.com