Karen Jean Lightell

Karen Lightell, 63, of Mt. Lebanon died peacefully with her family at her side after living with cancer for 25 years. She was born in Greentree and was a graduate of Keystone Oaks High School and Allegheny College in Meadville, PA.

Daughter of the late Wilbur and Estella Lightell; loving mother of Dillon (Natalie Slack) and Andy (Lacey Barker) Baker; sister of the late Gwen Miller and Susan (Jimmy) Despinis; aunt of Stephanie (Brad) Wilson and great aunt of Stella Wilson; she is also survived by her loving dog, Beau.  

Karen was an accomplished communications executive, having worked in Washington, DC, for the worldwide firm of Burson-Marstellar and as Press Secretary to Congressman Bill Goodling. Upon returning to Pittsburgh, she once again worked for Burson-Marsteller, followed by Dymun-Nelson and Red House Communications. She also led communications for the Senator John Heinz History Center.  

Karen was an avid reader who took pride in being a member of her local book club for more than 20 years. She was also a lifelong lover of nature, art, music, movies, and history. She traveled throughout Europe, Latin American, South East Asia, and in the Western United States, including Alaska; and across the country for many mission trips, including New Orleans soon after Hurricane Katrina. She was active in many political campaigns and chair of The League of Women Voters’ Poll Workers Recruitment Committee.

Her family wants to acknowledge the love and steadfast support of her Mt. Lebanon friends and travel companions over the many years, as well as the doctors, nurses, and staff of UPMC, who helped her live and thrive for longer than she or anyone thought possible.       

Services will be at the Laughlin Funeral Home, 222 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon on Saturday, December 3rd at 2 PM. A visitation will take place beforehand at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Doctors Without Borders and The League of Women Voters.

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