Karen Ann McFadden

Karen was born in 1954 in Drexel Hill, PA, to Robert C. Meslin and Ann Flieig Meslin. Karen grew up in Upper Darby with her sister, Kathy Meslin Matthews.

Karen met her husband, John McFadden, when they were teenagers in 1968. Karen graduated from Upper Darby High School in 1972. She and John were married in 1974.

Karen worked as an administrative assistant to the Chief of the Upper Darby Police Department, and then as the administrative assistant to the President of the Delaware County Hospital. She left work when their son Jared, was born in 1978. Their daughter, Kyla, was born in 1979.

Karen was a devoted and supportive mother and homemaker for several years before she returned to school at Harcum School of Design in 1993. She became an interior designer, first working for DePiano Interiors, and then working as a free-lance designer until her health deteriorated.

In addition to being a wife, mother, and sister, Karen was an extremely spiritual person who opened herself and her home to family, friends and people in need. She was considered a confidant and counselor by many. Always interested in helping others, Karen became a certified hypnotherapist in addition to being an interior designer, and created a uniquely beautiful and welcoming home and gardens for people to gather and enjoy.

Karen contracted cancer four years ago. She fought the disease with the help and care of her husband and family. However, her health took a sudden turn or the worse in October. After a brief stay in Paoli Memorial Hospital, Karen returned home to hospice care. She died at home surrounded by her loving family.

Karen is survived by her husband, John; her children, Jared and Kyla; daughter-in-law, Rose; grandchildren, Alex, Jade, and Eliza; sister, Kathy; and family and friends who grieve with the McFadden family.

As a devoted mother, Karen was deeply concerned about children’s welfare and education. In her memory, the McFadden family asks that you consider contributing to the Children’s Scholarship Fund of Philadelphia. Their donation page is https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E11369&id=43