In Memory

Karen Marino (Piper)

Karen Francis Piper passed away peacefully Thursday, March 10, 2022. Karen was born Sept. 8, 1950, in Rankin, to Angelo and Shirley Marino (Andonisio). She grew up in North Huntingdon Township and attended Norwin High School. Karen was a graduate of Seton Hill University and worked as a music teacher in McKeesport Area Schools. She later received a master of education degree and worked first as a guidance counselor and, later, was hired as the principal at C.N. Pritts Elementary School in Connellsville Area School District. Karen put her musical talents to work by directing choirs at Immaculate Conception Church in Irwin and acting as accompanist and cantor at St. Elizabeth Seton Church in North Huntingdon. She also gave private piano lessons out of her home for over 25 years. In addition to serving as vice president on the Norwin Public Library Board, overseeing the efforts to build the new library, she was also elected to the Norwin School Board for two consecutive terms, and acted as president and vice president during her tenure. Karen volunteered in the PTA and helped run the Immaculate Conception and St. Elizabeth Seton Fish Fries for many years. Upon her retirement, Karen founded the Empty Bowl event for the Westmoreland County Food Bank. The event was held annually for 11 years and had generated over $100,000 to fight hunger in Westmoreland County. Karen was happily married to Tom Piper for 47 years and had one son and a grandchild. Tom and Karen resided in North Huntingdon for 39 years and later relocated to the Pittsburgh area. In their retirement, they enjoyed playing duplicate bridge and had achieved life master status. They also travelled extensively on cruises throughout the world and attended countless plays and musicals. She is preceded in death by her parents, Shirley and Angelo; and her sister, Chris. She is survived by her husband, Tom; her son, Timothy; her grandchild, Rosalie; her sister, Linda (Dennis) Moore; her brothers Tony (Renata) Marino and Angelo (Machiel) Marino; and many nephews, nieces, and their children. 

1950 - 2022

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/triblive-online-only/name/karen-piper-obituary?id=33609563



 
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03/18/22 06:58 PM #1    

Dave Triplett

My sympathy to Karen Marino Piper's family. Knew her well in high school. RIP Karen as the Class of Norwin 1968 loses another outstanding graduate.


03/19/22 08:29 AM #2    

Ed Sam

My DEEPEST sympathies to Karen Marino Piper's family…and especially her brother Anthony the leader of Stage Right. We knew her well in high school. RIP Karen. You were an Oldie But Goodie…


03/19/22 08:48 AM #3    

Thomas Hice

Deepest sympathies and prayers for the family and friends of Karen Marino Piper. Knew her well at Norwin High School! She was definetly a one of a kind. Very special lady. Rest in peace Karen, may God be with you.


03/19/22 05:56 PM #4    

Becky Flago (Ruane)

Prayers for Karen's family. Seems we loss too many classmates so fast. 


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