Karen M. Phenes

Karen M. Phenes, 70, of Alpine, NY, entered unto rest on Friday, September 25, 2026 in Sayre, PA.

She was born in Honesdale, PA on October 24, 1955, the daughter of Warren and Amy Tanner and graduated from Odessa-Montour Central School. She married her husband Greg on December 8, 1973.

Karen worked as a supervisor at Cayuga Medical Center for 20 years, retiring in 1996. She went on to work at the family business, Fingerlakes Inspection Service, for 22 years, retiring in 2018.

Karen lived her life centered on what truly mattered most, her family. For Karen, true happiness didn’t require grand gestures or extravagant plans. Pure joy was found in simple moments together. Sharing laughs while playing games or gathering around the warmth of a nighttime campfire.

Her touch made the world a brighter, sweeter place. With a natural gift for craftiness, Karen poured her care into every project, creating beautiful quilts, handmade totes, and intricate cross stitch pieces that her loved ones will treasure forever. Outside, her green thumb brought vibrant life to her yard, culminating this past year in her absolute pride and joy, a colorful, breathtaking garden of zinnias.

In the kitchen, Karen was famous for her legendary chocolate chip cookies. A sweet staple so delicious her grandchildren would playfully fight over them. At home, her heart always had room for her two precious cats, Colby and Cuse, whom she spoiled rotten and who brought her endless comfort and companionship.

Karen’s warmth, creativity and steady devotion to her family leave behind a legacy of love, comfort, and beautiful memories that will be forever cherished.

She was predeceased by her parents; and by her brother, Robert Tanner in 2017.

Karen is survived by her husband of 52 years, Greg Phenes; two sons, Rob (Lauren) Phenes of Watkins Glen and Shaun (Sarah) Phenes of Eden, NC; two sisters, Linda (Roger) Griswold of Alpine, NY and Janet (Tim) Decker of Martinsville, VA; brother, Larry Tanner of Watkins Glen, NY; four grandchildren, Camron Brown (Sara), Noah Phenes (Kaitlyn), Roman Phenes (Gracie) and Chloe Phenes; three great grandchildren, Everleigh Brown, Emerson Phenes and Marceline Phenes; and three nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Karen’s wishes, there will be no services.