Karen Lynn Capper

Karen Lynn Capper of Beaver, dearly known for her warmth and boundless energy, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, at the age of 83, with her daughter, Debbie, and her brother, Bob, by her side.

Born in August 1942 to Robert and Eva Mae Merrick, Karen graduated from Beaver Area High School before beginning her studies to become a concert pianist at Baldwin Wallace University. Two years later, she shifted her focus to business administration and earned her degree from Robert Morris University in 1966.

After a long career in medical administration—continuing until the age of 80—Karen turned her full attention to the Merrick Art Gallery. Having served on the Women’s Council for decades, as a Co-Trustee since 2002 and the Trustee since 2009, she devoted herself fully to the gallery after retiring, embracing it as her new vocation and pouring her heart and energy into its care and growth.

She was a longtime member of Park Presbyterian Church, where she served multiple terms as an ordained Elder and Deacon, sang in the choir, and contributed as both a Bible study leader and participant. Karen had a gift for making people feel instantly at home in her presence, and her legacy endures through the kindness, grace, and joy she brought to every relationship.

Karen lived her life with a rare blend of grace and exuberance. She embodied Christian kindness—deeply good at her core and unfailingly caring toward others—while at the same time brimming with energy. A force to be reckoned with, she poured herself completely into everything she touched, improving whatever she could and inspiring others to join her efforts. Whether through her church or the gallery, Karen had a gift for making things happen; it was impossible to say no to her! A party planner extraordinaire and the “hostess with the mostest,” she turned every holiday and gathering into an occasion to remember, with beautiful décor and thoughtful details that made family and friends feel cherished. Her devotion to her husband, children, grandchildren, and community was reflected not only in her work at the church and gallery, but also in the countless ways she made life special for those around her. She will be deeply missed, but her warmth, grace, and spirit will never be forgotten.

Karen was a most loving mother, wife, and grandmother. She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Charles “Brub” Capper; her parents, Robert and Eva Mae Merrick; and her brother, Theodore “Ted” Merrick. She is survived by her brother, Robert (Kris) Merrick; her two children, Debbie (Greg) Koepke and Gretchen (Peter) Lang; three stepchildren, Pamela Capper, Chad (Wendy) Capper, and Susan Capper; two grandchildren, William Koepke and Montgomery (Monte) Lang; ten step-grandchildren, Nicholas Marks, Chandler Lupo, Allison Capper Falconer (Wiley), Charles (Ava) Capper, Spencer Lupo, Andrew Capper, Sally DeVera, Colin DeVera, Jack Lupo, and Charlie Lupo.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Noll Funeral Home, 333 3rd Street, Beaver, PA. A funeral service will follow on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Park Presbyterian Church, 275 Commerce Street, Beaver, PA. Private family interment will take place after the service. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Merrick Art Gallery, 1100 5th Avenue, New Brighton, PA or Park Presbyterian Church, 275 Commerce Street, Beaver, PA.