Elizabeth (Stager) Karas

Obituary for Elizabeth Karas February 11, 1923 – June 20, 2026 Smithfield PA

     Elizabeth Karas, 103, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026.

     Born on February 11, 1923, Elizabeth lived a long, vibrant life defined by dedication to her family, a strong work ethic, and her creative passions. Over her century-long journey, Elizabeth made meaningful contributions to her community through her diverse career, working for the US Postal Service, the Parma Police Department, and the May Company. Beyond her professional life, she was a talented creator who found immense joy in cooking and baking, crafting beautiful pieces through quilting and sewing, and tending to her outdoor gardening.

     Elizabeth’s legacy of warmth and dedication lives on through her family. She is the beloved mother of Marcia Bresson (Steve) and John. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Stanley, her parents, Frank and Eva Stager and her siblings: Andrew, Cecelia (Knapp), Eve (Lechner), Frank, John, Lloyd, Marie, Rose (Gill), Josephine (Zagare), and Thomas.

     Friends and family will be received on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 in the Dean C. Whitmarsh Funeral Home, 134 West Church Street, Fairchance, PA 15436, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday, June 25, 2026 until 9:30 a.m. when Prayers of Transfer will be said followed by her Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. in Ss. Cyril & Methodius Church, 50 North Morgantown Street, Fairchance, PA 15436. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Fairchance, PA.

     The Confraternity of Christian Mothers will recite the Rosary on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Joseph Cemetery Fund c/o SS. Cyril and Methodius Church, 50 North Morgantown Street, Fairchance, Pa. 15436.

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