Therese K. (Hickey) Karns

Therese K. Karns, 93, of Bedford, Pennsylvania died on Monday, September 11, 2023 at Donahoe Manor, Bedford.

Therese was born in Juniata Twp. on the Hickey Family Farm on November 27, 1929, daughter of the late John M. and Mary Veronica (Smith) Hickey.

She was formerly married to the late Harry C. Karns Sr.

She is survived by children: Kathy Ann, wife of Jeff Wright; Terry Ann, wife of Marty Runion; John W. Karns; and Kim Ann Karns, all of Bedford; eight grandchildren: Anita, Jeffrey, husband of Julie, Dustin, Katie, Cody, Casey, Sheila, and William "Gus"; three great-grandchildren: Marie-Anneliese Wright, Iris Karns, and Charlie Karns; and brothers George Hickey, of Johnstown; Thomas Hickey, of Bedford; Carl Hickey, of Bedford; and Dale Hickey, of York. Therese was preceded in death by infant daughter Gail Ann, son Harry C. Karns Jr., infant granddaughter Veronica Karns, infant great-grandson Tommy Karns, daughter-in-law- Norma Karns, brothers Vincent and Charles Hickey, and sisters Grace Suhrie and Euniece Beard.

Therese was a lifetime Catholic and a devoted member of St. Thomas Catholic Church, Bedford. She attended Daily Mass and “Coffee group,” participated in the St. Thomas Ladies Guild, and was a Charter member of the St. Vincent De Paul Society. She accompanied new Catholics through the Rite of Christian Initiation, was a member of the Charter Catholic Daughter of the Americas #2645, and sponsored an Indian seminarian on his journey to the Priesthood.

She graduated from Schellsburg-Napier High School in 1948 and was active with the class reunions. She worked in the packaging and shipping department at Westinghouse until she retired in 1994, and since has missed working with “the Boys.” Therese was an adventurous world traveler and especially loved visiting Marian shrines. Back at home she was a member of the Women of The Moose Lodge #1245, Life member of the Ladies Auxiliary, and a member of the VFW Post #9219- Pleasantville.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2023 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM and on Friday, September 15, 2023 from 9-10 AM at Louis Geisel Funeral Home, Bedford.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 10 AM at St. Thomas Catholic Church with Father Richard Tomkosky-Celebrant.

Committal Service will be at St. Thomas Cemetery, Bedford, PA.

The family would like to thank the entire Donahoe Manor Staff for the loving care they gave Therese - and for all the fun times.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent De Paul Society: 215 East Penn St. Bedford, PA 15522.

Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.geiselfuneral.com/. Arrangements entrusted to Louis Geisel Funeral Home, Bedford, Pennsylvania.

Above all, please pray for the repose of Therese’s soul. 

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