Karen S. Sessamen

Karen S. Sessamen, 82 of Tyrone, passed away Friday, March 13, 2026. She was born on November 13, 1943, in Altoona, a daughter of the late Luther and Florence (Miller) Dell. On July 11, 1963, in Winchester, MD she married Richard E. Sessamen who preceded her on July 22, 2021. She is survived by four children: Steven K. (Sherry) Sessamen of Fredricksburg, VA, Ronald A. (Kathy) Sessamen of Saint John, New Brunswick, Richard S. (Annie) Sessamen Spruce Creek, and Kimberly S. (William) Wiser of Tyrone; seven grand children: Steven II, and Megan Sessamen, Dustin, Ryan, and Brittany Sessamen, and Simon and Sarah Wilson; 12 great-grandchildren: Tristan Sessamen, Dustin Merryman, Landon, Connor, Owen, Levi, Aiden, Mackenzie, and Layla Sessamen, Willow and Gemma Goss, and Evalynne Wilson; and four siblings: Ronald and William Dell, Jackie Fowler, and Barbara Bush. Along with her husband and parents, she was preceded by a brother, Terry Dell. Karen was a 1961 graduate of Altoona Area High School and attended trade school to be a stewardess. She worked as a seamstress at Big Yank, a waitress, worked in childcare, and also worked at Marianna's. She was a member and deaconess at the Presbyterian Church in Tyrone, she also attended Halfmoon Christian Fellowship. She helped with the 4-H club, Fresh Air Kids, the Girl Scouts, and in the late 80's and early 90's was heavily involved with the Tyrone Majorettes and color guard, often doing hair for all of the girls.Karen enjoyed puzzles, word searches, listening to classic country western music, attending fairs, her stuffed animals, and bingo. She enjoyed spending time with family more than anything, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.An 11 am funeral service for Karen S. Sessamen will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Richard H. Searer Funeral Home, Inc. with Pastor Vince Eilenberger officiating. Friends will be received at the funeral home on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 4-8 pm as well as on Wednesday, from 10 am until the time of service. Interment will be made at the Bald Eagle Cemetery following the funeral service. Contributions in Karen's memory may be made to the Central PA Humane Society or 2nd Chance Strays.