Karen Vagnarelli

Youngstown - Karen Vagnarelli, 54, of Youngstown, died Wednesday morning at her residence after a long courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her family. Karen was born September 23, 1954, in Youngstown, a daughter of Raymond and Barbara Burt Best. A 1972 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Karen received her certificate as a Medical Assistant from Mahoning County Career Center. She worked for Forum Health as a Team Clerk for 15 years. Karen was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and a former member of the former Bethlehem United Church of Christ. Karen enjoyed sewing and working outdoors attending to her flower garden. Her family was her greatest love and spending time with them was her priority. Besides her parents, Raymond (Liz) Best of Austintown and Barbara (Pat) Cua of Berlin Center; Karen leaves her husband, Paul Vagnarelli, whom she married February 22, 1975; one daughter, Kristi Vagnarelli at home; one son, Paul (Lori) Vagnarelli of Youngstown; one brother, David (Kathy) Best of Canfield; one granddaughter, Gianna M. Vagnarelli; her mother-in-law, Vivian Vagnarelli of Boardman; brother-in-law, Joe (Pat) Vagnarelli of Struthers; several aunts, uncles, cousins; and many nieces and nephews. Karen was preceded in death by her brother James Best who died in July; grandparents, Frank and Violet Burt, Harry and Irene Best; and father-in-law, Anthony Vagnarelli. Funeral services will be held Saturday, 9:15 a.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland, and 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel with Msgr. Fr. Michael Cariglio officiating. Interment will follow in the Lake Park Cemetery, Youngstown. Friends will be received Friday from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home, Poland. Contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, Hospice House. Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com .

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