Karen E. Purtell, 67, of Little Meadows, PA, died peacefully Friday, May 13, 2016 after a 40 year courageous battle with cancer. She was predeceased by a son Kevin Purtell; parents, Dayton and Esther Brion; brother, Russell Brion; two brother-in-laws, Neal Waldrep and James Dugan; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Francis and Margaret Purtell; brother-in-law, Bobby Purtell. She is survived by her beloved husband of 43 years, Jerry Purtell; two sisters, Charlotte Dugan and Shirley Waldrep; brother-in-law, Thomas (Sally) Purtell; four sister-in-laws, Mary Lou (William) Martin, Marlene (James) Homan, Kathy Person and Nora Purtell. She had a special place in her heart for her nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and great great nephews. Karen was a graduate of Corning High School and Oneonta State Teachers College. After 40 years teaching, Karen retired from the Owego School District and was a member of Who’s Who Among American Teachers. Karen was a member of St. Brigid’s Church, Friendsville. A special thank you is extended to Dr. Harris and the staff of Broome Oncology for the wonderful care given to Karen.

A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday 11 am at St. Brigid’s Church, Friendsville. Burial will be in St. Thomas Cemetery, Little Meadows. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, Wednesday from 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Karen’s memory to Mercy House of the Southern Tier or Little Meadows Rescue Squad.