Karen Lynn Kessler, 74, passed amongst family on the morning of Nov. 8, 2023, at Charleston Area Medical Center Hospital.
Born on Oct. 2, 1949, in Morgantown, at Vincent Pallotti Hospital, she was the daughter of the late Billy-Jo (Sayre) Woodford and Walter Smith and granddaughter of David and Sophia Smith. Retiring in 2020 from PACE in Fairmont, she dedicated most of her working life to helping people with disabilities gain occupational training. After retirement, Karen devoted her time to her family, friends, and pets, sharing love, kindness, joy, and many delicious meals.
Surviving are Karen’s brothers, Gary Smith, Bobby Woodford and his wife Lisa, and Joey Woodford and his wife Keely; Karen’s son, Chris Rose and wife Maria, and her twin daughters, Amy Kidd and late husband Lee, and Kimberly Rose; six grandchildren (and spouses); six great-grandchildren; many beloved friends; a dog, Teddy, and cat, Ellie.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages a kindness be paid forward in concordance with Karen’s nature and world view. Per Karen’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Cunningham-Parker-Johnson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
