Karen Lee Freilino, 75, of Lithia, FL, formerly of Leechburg, PA, passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2024, after fighting a sudden illness.

The daughter of Gilbert Mario and Dolores Jean (Thompson) Freilino, she was born April 26, 1949, in New Kensington, PA.

Karen worked in medical research for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for over 30 years.  A voracious reader with a passion for American history, for much of her life, Karen was rarely seen without a book in hand. Her love for history extended into her own life, where she spent many years researching and chronicling her family’s ancestry. One of her most treasured experiences was visiting Asti, Italy, exploring her grandfather's hometown, a lifetime dream she ultimately fulfilled. Karen also dedicated her time and passion to the Leechburg community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Leechburg Area School District, the Leechburg Public Library and the Leechburg Area Museum and Historical Society. Karen recently lived with her daughter and grandchildren, creating memories that will be forever cherished. 

Survivors include her daughter, Nicola Tara Batts (Cornelius) of Lithia, FL; brother, Gilbert Freilino (Wendy) of Delmont; sister, Debra Claypool (Ron) of Leechburg; grandchildren, Chianna Maria Morgan of Pittsburgh, Tobias Batts of Pittsburgh, Cornelius Dominic Batts of Pittsburgh, Tanisha Marie Batts of Lithia, FL, Christopher Alonzo Batts of Tampa, FL and Sofia Louise Morgan of Lithia, FL. Karen also leaves behind extended family and special friendships that she always held dear, along with her great nieces, Dolores and Rosalind Foley, that had a special place in her heart.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Maria Louise Freilino.

Friends will be welcomed by her family on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 10-11 a.m. followed by a brief service at the Clawson Funeral & Cremation Center, 170 Main St., Leechburg, 724-842-1051. Private interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Gilpin Township. The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her honor to the Leechburg Area Museum and Historical Society at LeechburgMuseum.org; or by mail to PO Box 156, Leechburg, PA, 15656.