Karen Kay Townsend, 78, of New Philadelphia, entered her eternal home in heaven on April 28, 2026, following a short illness. She was surrounded by her loving family and dear friends, Ron and Nancy Bowen. Her final days were filled with constant love and attention from her husband, daughter, granddaughter, siblings, niece and nephew, and cherished friends. She passed into the arms of Jesus knowing she was deeply loved.

Born on February 24, 1948, in Dover, Ohio, Karen was the daughter of the late John Henry and Edith Mildred (Richards) Hamsher. From 1956 to 1965, she enjoyed her childhood on the family farm in Winfield which she spoke of frequently.

Karen was a 1966 graduate of Dover High School and a proud member of the “Chicks of ’66,” a close-knit group of lifelong friends who shared many treasured memories through beach vacations and local gatherings.

While working in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Karen was blessed to meet her future husband, Paul Townsend, where they later wed. They celebrated 52 years of marriage prior to her passing.

Karen and Paul lived in several communities throughout their marriage as Paul’s work assignments changed. They began their life together in Fort Lauderdale, later moving to Baton Rouge, LA, Parkersburg, WV, and Cutler, OH, before ultimately returning to Tuscarawas County. Karen dedicated many years of her career to General Telephone and later Verizon, where she worked as an operator and advanced into a managerial role before retiring.

Moving back to New Philadelphia, Ohio ten years ago allowed Karen to be deeply present in the lives of her daughter and granddaughter, Jennifer and Alayna, who brought her immeasurable joy. Karen treasured every moment with Alayna and took great pride in nurturing her interests, especially in theater and music. One of her most meaningful final memories was watching Alayna perform on stage in a musical on Valentine’s Day.

Karen and Paul were faithful members of Dover Alliance Church for the past 10 years, where they found strong community and fellowship. Earlier, while living in Parkersburg, they were active members of St. Paul Lutheran Church, where Karen also served as a youth leader. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life, and her family finds comfort in knowing with complete confidence that she is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior.

Karen’s greatest joy and most important part of her life was her family including her husband, Paul; her daughter, Jennifer Kay (Jerry Graham) Townsend and her granddaughter, Alayna Kay Graham of New Philadelphia; her sister, Beverly Hamsher of Canton; her brothers, Kevin (Mickey) Hamsher of Dover and Joel (Teri) Hamsher and their children, Carla (Will) and Jacob of Fairlawn; her brother-in-law, John (Katherine) Townsend of Florida; and her sisters-in-law, Nancy (John) Jackson of Florida and Lynn Faso of New Philadelphia and Lynn's children, Ashley (Noel), Megan (Chris), and Matthew (Amanda) and their children of Florida.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Dover Alliance Church, with Pastor Richard Rose officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Dover Burial Park.

Her family is grateful to the staff at Park Village in Dover and Crossroads Hospice for the excellent care they provided to Karen and their family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Karen's memory may be directed to the Dover Alliance Church, 228 E. 3rd St., Dover, OH 44622.