Karen L. Young

Karen (McManus) Young, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on September 13, 2026, leaving behind a family who will deeply miss her love, wit, strength, and unmistakable personality.

Karen is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Jeff; her three children- Shannon, Rikki, and Mandi; her three grandchildren; her sisters- Sandi, Wanda, and Donna (Tom); as well as her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Verna, and her sister, Brenda.

Karen was known for her strong work ethic, something she inherited from her parents and carried throughout her life. She worked at Reese’s for 19 years and brought that same determination and dedication to everything she did. In her younger years, Karen played basketball in high school and was an avid bowler. Throughout her life, she enjoyed cooking, baking, and, most of all, spending time with her family. She became well known for her homemade canned goods, especially her relishes and apple butter, and no mention of Karen’s kitchen would be complete without remembering her famous pumpkin rolls. Karen also had a soft spot for animals and loved collecting anything related to unicorns, wolves, and tigers. She was thoughtful and considerate, often thinking of others while she was out shopping and picking things up for neighbors. Karen was a private person who did not need many people in her circle, but she was always there when someone needed her. She showed her love not only through words, but through the many quiet and practical ways she cared for others. As a mother, Karen was caring, supportive, and loving. As a grandmother, she took great joy in spoiling her grandchildren and making sure they knew just how much their grandmother loved them. Karen also had a wonderful sense of humor. She was witty, with what some might describe as a delightfully wry sense of humor. That humor was an important part of her 40-year marriage to Jeff. Over four decades together, they developed the kind of understanding that comes from knowing another person’s habits, and quirks, and loving them anyway. Their mutual teasing and banter were part of the language of a life they built together, and that companionship will be deeply missed.

Karen’s family will remember so many things: the pumpkin rolls and apple butter, the teasing and laughter, and all the seemingly small things that now have proven to be the most important things of all.

A private family celebration will be held to honor Karen’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen’s memory may be made to the Wolf Sanctuary of PA, 465 Speedwell Forge Road, Lititz, PA 17543, or to a local animal shelter—a fitting way to honor Karen and her love of animals. Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements. The family welcomes your memories and messages in our online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com