Mary Victoria Karson

Karson – Mary Victoria “Vicki”, 69, Johnstown, died March 20, 2017 at home, with her husband of 48 years, William Karson, at her side. Born November 1, 1947 in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late Bruno and Rose (Yannone) Passo. She is survived by her husband, whom she married on December 28, 1968 in Philadelphia. She is also survived by her daughter, Debra Simone of Los Angeles, CA, her son Ben Karson of Los Angeles, CA, her younger sister, Dolores (Passo) Pohl of Bethlehem, PA, nieces Rosemarie and Jamie Pohl, and many cousins. Vicki’s greatest joy was Ben’s daughter, her grandchild, Melody Rose Karson. Vicki spent her early years in “South Philly” surrounded by the many grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who lived nearby. She graduated from St. Maria Goretti High School in 1965, and, she received a B.A. from Penn State in 1969. At Penn State, Vicki was a Sister in the Gamma Chapter of the Theta Phi Alpha Sorority. Bill and Vicki met at Penn State, and were married during their senior year, in 1968. After college, Vicki was an Assistant Research Librarian at the Patee Library of PSU, and she held many other positions as she and her husband moved their home from Lancaster, PA, to Glen Burnie MD, and to Albany, NY. While in Albany, Vicki was the Executive Director of the Guilderland, NY Chamber of Commerce, and, in 1985, Vicki and Bill started their own association management and computer firm in Albany called “Second Generation”.  In 1990, Vicki and Bill moved their computer business to Bill’s hometown in Johnstown, PA. Vicki served for more than 10 years as a Pharmacy Technician at the Johnstown WalMart Pharmacy. Vicki most enjoyed her trips to California to visit her “grown-up” children and her granddaughter. She was a fantastic mother, and was well on her way to becoming a legendary grandmother. Vicki never missed Sunday Mass—even when it was just recorded from TV during her illness. She was a kind, and considerate person who was easy to love. She always knew the right thing to do, and she did it. Vicki had the courage and determination to win a long battle with cancer, only to find her recovery, sadly, cut short. She made our world a better place. We will all miss her. At Vicki’s request, there will be no public viewing. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 24, 2017, at St. Benedict Church, Geistown, Fr. David S. Peles, Pastor. The family suggests contributions be directed to the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Johnstown, PA, in memory of Vicki. The family is being served by the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com. Cremation by Laurel Highlands Crematory at Harris Funeral Home.