A beautiful soul was returned to Heaven to prepare a comfortable place for us at 8:57pm on October 18, 2021 at Arnot Ogden Medical Center. Karen Louise Osterhout, age 49, was born on May 18, 1972 as a late birthday gift to her father Dale who predeceased her in 2016.

Karen is survived by her mother Mary Osterhout of Elmira, her two sons Caleb (Sierra McClure) and Isaia Osterhout and her foster child who she absolutely loved and adored. Her sisters Christine (Cary Schuman) Osterhout and Heather (Shawn) Flynn, and brothers John (Meaghan) Osterhout and Shannon Osterhout as well as her Aunt Lori Mann. Karen was not just an Aunt but like a second mother to her nieces Brooklin, Helaina, Olivia, Kenleigh and Azlynn and nephews Seann, Gabriel, and Bryce. She was cherished by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

Karen was born and raised in Elmira, NY and settled on Luce St. in Elmira to raise her boys. She graduated from Southside High School in 1991 and continued her education through Boces Tech and Corning Community College where she obtained her credentials in Early Childhood Development. Karen worked for many years at 4C's Day Care on the Elmira Campus and ran The Kids World after school program at the Lake St. Presbyterian Church. She continued on with her devotion to helping others by working at Chemung ARC, Finger Lakes OPWDD and most recently at the Elmira Psychiatric Center in the Childrens Respite Unit. The skills she learned along with her deep loving persona allowed her to provide services to feed her ultimate passion which was working with and caring for children.

Services for Karen will be held at the Love Church on Lake Road in Horseheads,NY on Friday, October 22, 2021. Calling hours are 1-3pm and 5-7pm with a Celebration of Life directly to follow. Any donation in Karen's name will be received by her mother Mary Osterhout at 598 Reynolds Ave. Elmira, NY 14904.