Karen Sue (Faith) Guappone, a woman who truly mastered the art of being the “hostess with the mostess,” peacefully took her final curtain call on May 12, 2026, at 4:02 PM at Salem Regional Medical Center. 

Born in Salem on November 5, 1965, Karen spent her life turning ordinary moments into celebrations, usually with a wooden spoon in one hand and a jar of home-canned goodness in the other.

There are many in the community that will remember Karen’s smiling face and quick wit from her days keeping the coffee flowing at Pinky’s in New Garden or serving up slices at Cucina Pizza in Columbiana. She didn’t just serve food; she served sunshine, a laid-back attitude, and the kind of warmth that made every stranger feel like an old friend.

Karen was at her happiest when the sun was high and her hands were in the dirt. She was a dedicated planter of flowers and an avid admirer of hummingbirds, though she likely spent just as much time simply soaking up the rays and enjoying the beauty of Guilford Lake. In the kitchen, she was a force to be reckoned with—whether she was whipping up a feast for her family or canning the season’s harvest, everything Karen made was seasoned with a heavy dose of love and a bit of her signature spark.

Waiting to welcome her home are her parents Larry and Carol Faith and her siblings Brenda Baker and Fred Channels. Her legacy of laughter and hospitality is carried on by her children; Geona Faith (Michael) Guappone-Parker of Beloit, Kristen Guappone of Lisbon, and Ralphie Guappone of Pittsburgh. She also leaves behind her brother Randy Faith and sister Tiffany (Benny) Chetock, both of Lisbon, along with her two cherished grandchildren, Ashton and Addyson, who were the absolute apples of her eye. Her loyal canine companions, Daisy and Buddy, will undoubtedly miss the extra treats and belly rubs that only she could provide.

To honor a life lived with such a vibrant spirit, a Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM in the lower level of the Leetonia American Legion Post #131. The family invites you to come as you are, bring your best stories, and help them celebrate a woman who taught us all that life is best enjoyed with family, a good meal, and a little bit of sunshine. 

Arrangements were entrusted to the Greenisen Family of the Arbaugh-Pearce-Greenisen & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services, Salem.