Obituary of Richard and Karen Phoenix

Karen Marie Phoenix and Richard Carl Phoenix of Youngstown passed away within minutes of each other on September 28, 2015. Richard was being lovingly cared for at the Niagara Hospice House and Karen died peacefully in her sleep at Peregrine's Landing in Orchard Park. Karen was born August 2, 1938 in Oak Park, Illinois, daughter of Grace Peterson and Irwin Meyer. Karen grew up in Oak Park, IL, attended Oak Park River Forest High School and Monmouth College, IL where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She received her degree in education from Boston College. Karen was an avid member of Youngstown Garden Club; a volunteer at Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital; a tennis champion and a card shark. A quiet competitor, Richard and Karen played Gin every morning and Karen usually won. She loved to laugh with a silent giggle and it was contagious! Karen had a warm and gentle nature; friends gravitated to her and she was a lover of all things artichoke. Richard was born October 12, 1929 in Brooklyn, NY, a proudly proclaimed only child of Florence and Roderick Phoenix. Richard grew up in Yonkers, NY and then graduated from Rutgers University in June of 1963 with a PhD in Ceramic Engineering. Richard had long standing Senior Executive roles at Corning, Foseco, Caborundum, and Ohmtek. He was a master poet for all special events, an enthusiastic sailor, contributing community member, former member of Youngstown Lions Club, active vestry of St. John's Episcopal Church in Youngstown and a Board member of Rivershore Inc. Karen and Richard travelled and entertained extensively, loved to make new recipes and sought out new adventures with friends. This sense of adventure and love of entertainment was passed to all their children. They are survived by 6 fabulous daughters, Pamela Phoenix of Santa Cruz, CA, Wendy Jones Phoenix (David Asch) of Sacramento, CA, Heather Phoenix (Richard) Boesser of Santa Cruz, CA, Julie Richard (James) Carminati of Youngstown, Sarah Richard (Russell) Bennett of Baltimore, MD, and Beth Richard (Zdenek) Pecenka of Oak Park, IL; and 12 awesome grandchildren, Lewis and Nolan Bennett, Eric Boesser, Shane Hauk ,Morgan and Emma Phoenix, Tim, Max, and Sam Pecenka, Jimmy, Jason, and Jack Carminati. Karen is also survived by her sister Leota Murray of Chicago, IL. There will be a Celebration of Life on Thursday, October 1, at 3:00 pm in St. John Episcopal Church, Main and Chestnut Sts. in Youngstown, NY with the Rev. Alison Martin officiating. A reception will follow at the Youngstown Yacht Club from 4:30 to 7:00 pm. Memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, NY 14094. Arrangements have been entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Rd. Ransomville.