Karen S. Ostrum, 77, of 7 Nelson Avenue, Bradford, passed away Sunday, October 22, 2023 at the Olean General Hospital.
Born on October 27, 1945, in New Kensington, she was a daughter of the late John and Gertrude L. (Olbeter) Defassio.
On March 29, 1968, in New Kensington, she married Raymond D. Ostrum who survives.
Karen was a graduate of New Kensington High School. She earned her Bachelors in Education from Clarion University in 1967, and went on to earn a Masters in Reading from St. Bonaventure University.
She taught in the Bradford Area School District for over 37 years, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, and the Bradford Children's Home.
Karen was a member of the Red Hats, Penn York Doll Club, Literary Club, and PSEA.
Surviving in addition to her husband Ray, of 55 years, are two daughters, Tammy (Dave) Vigliotti, of Lilburn, GA, Leslie (Fiance Kim Gaines) Ostrum, of Vandergrift, two sons, Brian Ostrum, of Elmhurst, IL, and Craig (Susie) Ostrum, of Bradford, one brother, John Defassio, of Bath, PA, one sister-in-law, Suzy Defassio, three grandchildren, Kyle Ostrum, Sarah Duke, and Brandon Bartlett, six great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Rev. Dr. Daniel Defassio, and one sister-in-law, Sharon Defassio.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and again from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., 33 South Avenue. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 11:00 am, at the First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Rick Nelson, pastor officiating. Burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorial contributions if desired may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences can be made at hollenbeckcahill.com