Karen S. Failinger

Karen Sue Failinger, age 63, formerly of Frostburg, died Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Egle Nursing and Rehab Center, Lonaconing. She was a resident there for the past 3 1/2 years. Karen was born on June 12, 1961 to the late Kermit (Jake) Failinger and Thelma (Beanie) Marsh Failinger. Karen was the second of three daughters.

Karen shared her birthday with her maternal grandmother, Gladys Marsh along with a cousin and second cousin on the Marsh side.

Karen graduated from South Penn Special Education program in 1982. Karen enjoyed music, old TV shows, swimming and Atlantic City vacations. She also enjoyed many pets over her lifetime: cat- Fluffy, and dogs -Pierre, Playful, Precious and Cuddles. All have crossed of the Rainbow Bridge and were waiting for Karen.

One of the highlights of Karen's life was meeting her favorite singer, Roy Clark. He stayed at Failinger's Hotel Gunter prior to performing at the Rocky Gap Music Festival in August 1990. 

Karen enjoyed her family. She would call us on our birthday-no matter where we were - to sing us Happy Birthday. At one point in her life, she also called us at 4 pm every weekday to see how our day was.

In addition to her parents, Karen is preceded in death by both set of grandparents, William & Orpha Failinger and Clyde & Gladys Marsh. She is also preceded in death by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Left to cherish her memory are sisters - Dianne Failinger Short and husband, Ray, Debra Failinger Buskirk and husband, Dennis and her nieces and nephews: Kara Short Fleming and husband, William and son Miles; Sierra Buskirk and fiancé, Darius Hunt; Tyler Short; Brooke Buskirk and partner, Seyi Ariyo; and Dakota Buskirk. She also leaves behind Aunts Jackie Marsh and Beth Marsh. 

The family would like to thank Egle Nursing and Rehab Center for taking care of Karen for the last years. Thank you for your kindness and compassion.

Visitation will be held at Durst Funeral Home, Frostburg on Sunday, September 1, 2024 from 1 to 2 pm . Services will start at 2 pm with Pastor Daniel Swanson officiating. 

Interment follows at Frostburg Memorial Park. Pallbearers are Ray Short, Dennis Burskirk, Tyler Short, Herk Marsh, Josh Marsh and Dayne Lancaster.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Allegany Animal Shelter or Christ Lutheran Church, LaVale.