Karen Squib

Karen Grace (Gray) Squib, 84, passed away on Monday, October 26, 2026, leaving behind a loving family, a lifetime of cherished memories, and a legacy of faith, music, creativity, service, and adventure.

Born on June 11, 1942, Karen grew up in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, where she married the love of her life, Frederick C. Squib, on December 10, 1966. Together, they built a wonderful life centered around family, faith, and shared experiences. They celebrated nearly 56 years of marriage before Fred's passing on November 29, 2022.

Karen previously served as a financial aid administrator at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where she helped students and families pursue their educational goals.

Music was one of Karen's lifelong passions, and she generously shared her talents through her church. For many years, she served as the organist at First United Methodist Church in Derry, Pennsylvania. After she and Fred relocated to Wilmington, North Carolina, approximately 22 years ago, she continued her love of music and service at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, where she played the organ and participated in the handbell choir. Her faith and church community were important parts of her life, and she enjoyed the friendships and fellowship she found through several church circle groups.

Karen also believed in giving back to her community. During her years in Pennsylvania, she was an active member of the Derry Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She spent many late nights making sandwiches and preparing food for firefighters responding to emergencies, ensuring they had a meal during long and demanding calls. She also devoted countless hours to helping organize and run the department's weekly bingo fundraisers. Her willingness to lend a hand, often behind the scenes, was just one of the many ways she showed her care for others.

Karen was a gifted seamstress whose creativity and attention to detail were evident in everything she made. She loved quilting, embroidery, and sewing, creating beautiful handmade treasures for family and friends. Among her most cherished creations were the dresses she lovingly made for her granddaughters. Her handiwork was a reflection of the care and love she put into everything she did.

Always eager for a new experience, Karen had a wonderful sense of adventure and a passion for travel. She especially loved cruising, exploring the beautiful islands of the Caribbean and enjoying several European river cruises. Her most extraordinary adventure came in 2024, when, at the age of 82, she embarked on a month-long National Geographic expedition cruise to Antarctica. Never one to shy away from an opportunity to learn or explore, Karen embraced the experience, discovering the region's remarkable wildlife, history, and breathtaking landscapes. She even ventured across the ice to explore historic huts, proving that her adventurous spirit knew no bounds—not even the frigid temperatures of Antarctica!

While she loved exploring faraway destinations, some of Karen's happiest memories were made much closer to home, spending time on the water with family and good friends. She loved boating and especially cherished the annual family lake trips, first to Deep Creek Lake in Maryland and, in more recent years, to Lake Gaston. These gatherings became beloved family traditions, bringing generations together for days filled with boating, laughter, good food, and time spent enjoying one another's company. For Karen, the destination was wonderful, but being surrounded by the people she loved made those trips truly special.

Closer to home, Karen enjoyed playing MahJong, participating in church activities, and spending time with family and friends. She was also known and loved for her delicious homemade Christmas fudge and pizzelle cookies, treats that became treasured holiday traditions and brought joy to those fortunate enough to receive them.

Above all, Karen's greatest pride and joy was her family.

Karen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frederick C. Squib; her parents, Ross and Grace Gray; and her brother, David Gray.

She is survived by her three children, Lisa (Jerry Sr.) Dunn, Craig (Tammy) Squib, and Dana (David) Syster; seven grandchildren, Monica Dunn (Ashley), Jerry Dunn Jr. (Lori), Tanner Squib (Karyn), Jozie Miller (Brent), Ethan Syster, Grayson Syster, and Abby Syster; and three great-grandchildren, Cole Dunn, Austin Dunn, and Allie Miller, with another great-grandchild on the way. She is also survived by her sister, Vicki Beaufort (John), along with cousins, nieces, and other extended family members who will cherish her memory.

Karen lived a full and remarkable life, filled with music, faith, creativity, service, travel, and love. Whether she was playing a beautiful hymn on the organ, stitching a quilt, preparing sandwiches for firefighters in the middle of the night, sharing homemade Christmas treats, enjoying a day on the lake, or exploring a distant corner of the world, she approached life with curiosity, dedication, generosity, and a spirit of adventure.

She leaves behind not only treasured memories but also the music she shared, the beautiful things she created, the traditions she passed down, and the love she gave so freely. While she will be deeply missed, her family takes comfort in knowing that she is reunited with her beloved Fred.

Her life was truly one well lived, and her legacy will continue through the generations who loved her.

Celebrations of Life

Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate Karen's life at two memorial services, one in Pennsylvania and one in North Carolina.

Pennsylvania Celebration of Life

Saturday, November 7, 2026

Waterford Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall

Waterford, Pennsylvania

• Family and friends gathering: 1:00–4:00 p.m.

• Memorial service: 2:00 p.m.

North Carolina Celebration of Life

Saturday, November 14, 2026

Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church

Wilmington, North Carolina

• Visitation: 2:30–3:30 p.m.

• Memorial service: 3:30 p.m.

The family welcomes all who knew and loved Karen to join them in remembering her remarkable life and sharing the many memories she leaves behind.