Karen M. Benedict

Karen Marie (Kriz) Benedict, 69, from Bradford, peacefully departed on Saturday, May 4, 2024, in the comfort of her own home.

Born on January 26, 1955, in Bradford, she was the cherished daughter of George Kriz and Elnora Ammons Kriz-Morgan. She graduated from Limestone High School in 1973.
 
On May 7, 1977, at St. Patrick's Church in Limestone, NY, she married her devoted partner of 47 years, William M. Benedict, who continues to hold her close in his heart.

Karen lovingly cared for her four children and spent many years working as a self-taught seamstress, dressmaker, quilter, and crafter. She diligently managed the finances for her husband's business and lent her expertise to organizing estate sales for members of the community.

A devout Catholic her entire life, she recently enjoyed participating in the St. Francis Bell Choir and formerly served as president of the Catholic Girls Club of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church in Lewis Run. She spent countless hours volunteering for St. Bernard and Central Christian schools and supervising many fish dinners and pancake breakfasts for the church community. 

Additionally, Karen took pleasure in playing bridge and hosting bridge club gatherings. She enjoyed spending time with her husband on home renovation projects, attending car and tractor shows, and exploring antique shops and flea markets.

Also surviving are her mother, 94-year-old Elnora Kriz-Morgan of Limestone; two sons, Sam (Kelli) Benedict of Pittsburgh and Gregory Benedict of Bradford; two daughters, Kristie Benedict of Buffalo and Carolyn (Josh) Curcio of Bradford; four grandchildren: Eliana, Nathan, Treyton, and Ryan; two sisters: Christine (Jerry) van der Horst of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Theresa (Jim) Stoddard of Limestone, NY; two brothers: Ronald (Mary Jo) Kriz of Northborough, MA, and Thomas (Jill) Kriz of Venetia, PA; along with numerous other extended family members who hold her dear.

She was preceded in death by her father George Kriz, her stepfather, Keith Morgan, and one brother, Steven (Kim) Kriz.

Family will receive friends on Friday, May 10, 2024, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., 372 East Main Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at Noon at St. Francis Church with Rev. John J. Jacquel, Pastor as Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery.

In closing, let's honor Karen's legacy of creativity and innovation, whether it was through her sewing wizardry or her home improvement antics. If you wish to pay tribute, consider making a donation to St. Bernard’s Church or a charity close to your heart.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com.

 

HOLLENBECK-CAHILL Funeral Home

33 South Avenue • Bradford, PA 16701

All Condolences -

To Bill and Family please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. So sorry. Mike and Mary Manning
— Mary Manning

So sorry to hear of Karen''s passing. I have great memories of going to the Kriz house in Limestone and vacationing with the family. I still have "Gunk" - Karen gave to me when I was young.
— Leigh OConnell

My condolences to Karen''s family.
— brian vecellio

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that on the eve of Karen’s funeral, the colors of the northern lights graced the skies above Bradford. Even nature thought it fitting to pay tribute to this very caring soul. I have known Karen since my youth. I was most aquatinted with her during our days of working concessions at the Antonian Hall in Lewis Run when the K of C used to have Bingo there on Wednesday nights. We also crossed paths at other Church functions, and yes, when she organized those famous pancake breakfasts. I enjoyed working and conversing with her. Karen’s passing is certainly a profound loss for the Catholic community as well as the community at large. I have come across many people the last few days whom she either hemmed a dress for or did some other kind of sewing work. She certainly will be missed. My deepest condolences and prayers to her family and friends.
— Craig Cuthbertson

So so sorry to see that Karen has passed. the Kriz family was a very important part of our time in Limestone. Loved them all. Our kids were friends and Elnora and George were great mentors. We even had the nerve to vacation once with our 7 and their 6 kids. Love to Elnora. The O''Connell Family
— Mary Lee OConnell

Karen was a classmate and dear friend through 12 years of school. When I got married she was my one and only bridesmaid. Karen made the maid of honor and bridesmaid dresses. She was beautiful inside and out, so smart, talented and kind. Sending my heartfelt condolences to all of her family.
— Lisa Maley

To all of Karen’s family - So very sorry for your loss. She was a very special lady. Keeping you all in prayer.
— Cindy Greek

.To Bill and family. So very sorry for your loss. Karen was a very special lady and will be missed very much. Our prayers and thought go out to yiu. May God bless.
— Larry and Suzie Fox

Condolences to all who knew her
— Larry&Marianne Lucco

I am very sorry to hear this sad news. Karen was a wonderful classmate. She was always willing help and was kind to everyone. Karen’s obituary revealed what she valued most in life… family, Church, and community! This world will miss Karen. My thoughts and prayers to all her family.
— Jim Lucco

Karen always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. She was an amazing seamstress, and she will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
— Mary Hamer

I’m so sorry for your loss. My condolences to Karen’s family and friends. Rest Peacefully!
— Brian Corbett

So very sorry to see you go sweet friend. Many prayers for your family and all who love you. I''ll always remember your many kindnesses to me, those beautiful blue eyes and your gentle ways all through school and I wish we had been closer as adults during the crazy busy years of raising our families. Rest in peace Karen. You have left the world a better place and you will be missed. ??????
— Diana Himes Combs

Karen was a wonderful woman who brought so much joy to so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Claude and Kathleen Brown
— Kathleen Brown

We are sorry to hear of your loss.
— Stoney,Becky,Max,Michael Greenberg

Condolences

  • To Bill and Family please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. So sorry. Mike and Mary Manning

    — Mary Manning
  • So sorry to hear of Karen''s passing. I have great memories of going to the Kriz house in Limestone and vacationing with the family. I still have "Gunk" - Karen gave to me when I was young.

    — Leigh OConnell
  • My condolences to Karen''s family.

    — brian vecellio
  • I don’t think it’s a coincidence that on the eve of Karen’s funeral, the colors of the northern lights graced the skies above Bradford. Even nature thought it fitting to pay tribute to this very caring soul. I have known Karen since my youth. I was most aquatinted with her during our days of working concessions at the Antonian Hall in Lewis Run when the K of C used to have Bingo there on Wednesday nights. We also crossed paths at other Church functions, and yes, when she organized those famous pancake breakfasts. I enjoyed working and conversing with her. Karen’s passing is certainly a profound loss for the Catholic community as well as the community at large. I have come across many people the last few days whom she either hemmed a dress for or did some other kind of sewing work. She certainly will be missed. My deepest condolences and prayers to her family and friends.

    — Craig Cuthbertson
  • So so sorry to see that Karen has passed. the Kriz family was a very important part of our time in Limestone. Loved them all. Our kids were friends and Elnora and George were great mentors. We even had the nerve to vacation once with our 7 and their 6 kids. Love to Elnora. The O''Connell Family

    — Mary Lee OConnell