Karen Bigenwald, beloved resident of Fairport, NY, peacefully left this world on July 27, at age 80 after a life richly lived in service, kindness and strength. Born and raised in Allentown, PA, Karen was predeceased by her parents, Samuel & Isabel Mohr. She is survived by her 3 daughters, Michelle (Rich) Paige, Brynn (John) Pacitti, Rachel (Will) Hamele, grandchildren, Bryce and Kylie Paige, Adam, Kendall, Makenna and Jacob Pacitti, Emma Hamele, sister Christine Ceder, nieces, nephews and friends who will miss her warmth and generosity.
Karen is known for her dedication to her family, friends, church and community with whom she shared her musical talent and love for gardening. Karen was a beacon of light and hope and touched many lives through her teaching, outreach and music.
Graduating from Ithaca College as a music major in 1965, Karen was an accomplished pianist and served as a public-school music teacher for 6 years prior to teaching kindergarten at Webster Schools for 17 years. She additionally shared her love for music by teaching piano, directing her church handbell choir for 13 years, singing on the church choir and by learning and performing the hammered and mountain dulcimer in her retirement. Karen was a member of the Perinton Historical Society, Copy Cats Square Dancing Club and shared her time, talent and treasure by tutoring and mentoring a special, local refugee for years. Karen’s memory will be a guiding star for all who knew her. In remembrance, we will gather on Thursday, August 1 from 4-6PM at Keenan Funeral Home. (Egypt Location) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road Fairport. A Funeral Service will be held on August 2 at 11:00AM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 48 Perrin St. Fairport, NY, where we will honor Karen’s enduring impact on our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Karen’s name to Lipson Cancer Institute at rrhgive.org or to Bethlehem Lutheran Church’s music ministry 48 Perrin Street, Fairport, NY 14450.
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8 responses to “Bigenwald, Karen”
I am thankful for the friendship of Karen. I have a fond memory of taking a boat ride on the Canal with her and getting caught in a rainstorm a bit unprepared. She just took it all in stride. I appreciated her musical direction when she led the Bell Choir at church and enjoyed playing because of her and the other “ringers”. I was blessed to be part of the women’s Bible study with her where she revealed her faith in the Lord. She was always happy to share with me the special times she had with her daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren. Thank you, Lord, for Karen. She will live on in my heart and so many others.
Thank you, Greta, for sharing these kind words and memories of the canal boat ride, hand bells and bible study with my mom. It is fun and comforting to hear all the ways she has touched the lives of others.
– Rachel Hamele, Karen’s youngest daughter
I remember Karen fondly from Hand bell Choir as well as the dulcimer group. I have fond memories of going on a road trip to the Indiana Dulcimer Festival in 2015, We stopped in Cleveland where we went to the Rock and Roll Hall of fame among other venues. We had a grand time!
I knew Karen initially in the BLC Chancel Choir and admired her directing the Handbells.
She and I share a great love of gardening and we often talked about various kinds of flowers and where they would thrive best in our gardens. I was able to share some great conversations with Karen in the last several months of her life. I will always remember her as a very strong and brave woman who faced the reality of her illness with unwavering bravery and spirit. She will be dearly missed by all.
Karen was a great handbell choir director, challenging us and helping grow. I remember some trips where we learned new techniques and played with other groups. She and other members of the bell choir held a baby shower for me. I enjoyed eating ice cream and going for walks along the canal. She was so encouraging and caring. I’ll miss her singing in my ear.
Dear wonderful family of Karen,
We continue to feel so blessed to have had your Mom in our lives. We have so many happy memories especially when dancing and going to Merry-Go-Round theater for musical entertainment. She will always be in our hearts. Bless you all.
Jim and Diane Lucey
Karen and I became friends In the last few years. It may not have been a long time, but it certainly was a friendship that I will miss. I admired Karin‘s wisdom and gentleness and kindness. And I enjoyed our conversations very much. May God bless Karen’s devoted daughters who loved their mother so much as to grant her final wishes to stay at home.
I knew Karen through her participation in Striking Strings Hammered Dulcimer Ensemble at the Eastman Community Music School. She rapidly acquired skill in playing the instrument and was a dependable ensemble member. I am fortunate the have had the opportunity to make music with her.