Karen McElheny-Feather, 71 of Hanover, PA and a native of Loretto, passed away December 31, 2025 at WellSpan York Hospital, York, PA.   She was born June 12, 1954, in Altoona, PA, daughter of the late Robert and Rosalie (Krise) McElheny of Loretto.  On August 18, 1979 she married the love of her life James Feather, who survives.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law Thomas Feather.  She is also survived by her brother Kevin (Kathleen) McElheny of Waynesburg, PA; brothers-in-law, Harry (Mariann), Johnstown, PA; David (Agnes) Limestone, TN;  Robert (Tammy), Sumter, SC and sister-in-law Lovann Feather, Lake Jackson, TX; and numerous extended family and friends.

Karen attended St. Michael’s Parochial School in Loretto and Bishop Carroll High School in Ebensburg.  While living and working in North Carolina, with Jim serving the Pope Air Force Base with the US Air Force, Karen completed her BS degree in computer science at Fayetteville State Univ, UNC.  She later completed a Master degree in computer science at John Hopkins University.  Karen worked for 27 years as a Team Lead working on Mainframe/Data Base with the Social Security Administration in Baltimore.  Jim and Karen lived in several places in Maryland and Pennsylvania, settling in Hanover, PA. after retirement.

Karen loved to quilt and through the years many people were the recipients of her colorful and creative creations.

Thanks are extended to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the WellSpan York Hospital for their excellent care and support. 

Friends will be received Friday (Jan 9th) from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc,  300 North Julian Street, Ebensburg.   A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, (Jan. 10th) at 10:00 a.m., at the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, Loretto;  Very Rev. John Byrnes, celebrant.  Committal will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the: Discalced Carmelite Nuns, Carmelite Monastery, P.O. Box 57, Loretto, Pa. 15940