Karen L. Anstett, age 80, of Boalsburg, Pa., peacefully passed away Sunday, June 18, 2023, at Mount Nittany Medical Center, with family members by her side.  Born April 5, 1943, in Wilkes-Barre, Pa, she was the daughter of the late William and Loretta (Nickl) Van Why.  On June 30, 1961, she married William J. Anstett, who preceded her in death on April 9, 2016.

She is survived by three daughters, Lisa Nicoletti (Albert) of Plains, Pa.; Bonnie Dailey (Fred, II) of Boalsburg, Pa.; and Donna Mounts of Salem, Or.; a brother, Thomas Van Why of Plymouth, Pa.; seven loving grandchildren, Marissa Nicoletti, Jared Dailey, Oliver Dailey (Finnley Christine), Nicholas Coffman, Austin Coffman, Cole Mounts, and Caeden Mounts; and one great-grandson, Ricky Coffman.  She is also survived by sisters-in-law Maureen Hall, Lisa Van Why and Ann Van Why, several nieces, nephews, and her "grand puppies" Willie and Ranger.  She was preceded in death by her son, William "Billy" Anstett and a brother, William "Sandy" Van Why of Ashley, Pa.

Karen was a graduate of E.L. Meyers High School, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and of the Centre County Vocational Technical School Licensed Practical Nursing Program and was licensed in 1978.  She was a nurse for 30 years primarily providing care to the elderly and disabled.  She retired in 2008.  She was a volunteer for Adults and Children with Learning Disabilities and held several positions within the organization.  She took the lead on organizing their booth for Children's Day for the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, for many years.  She received the Volunteer of the Year award for her work with this organization.  She also volunteered at St. Vincent DePaul's Thrift Store and was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Blessed Madonna #2521, where she held the positions of Financial Secretary and Recording Secretary and a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, in State College, Pa.

She was an avid reader and Nora Roberts was one of her favorite authors.  In her retirement years, she really enjoyed volunteering and traveling with family and friends.  Some of the places she visited were Alaska, Ireland (twice), Italy, and Israel.  She loved a do-as-you-please bus trip to New York City, where she would visit the sites, museums and/or attend a play or musical.  She enjoyed many bus trips to Site and Sound and was a member of OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning at Penn State) where she registered for courses and traveled on one-day excursions.  She also loved playing bingo.

She touched the lives of many with her kindness and generosity.  She was a friendly and kind neighbor with whom she would often share her homemade goodies.  She even placed a container of dog biscuits in her yard to share with those who walked their dogs by her home.

She loved and cherished her family.  Her grandchildren were her pride and joy.  She was a caring and supportive wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend.  She was always doing things for others.  Karen touched many lives, was loved by all, and will be deeply missed.  "She was a great lady!"

A visitation will take place Wednesday, July 5, 2023, from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at the Haky/Georgiana Centre County Funeral Home, 1034 Benner Pike, State College, Pa. 16801.  A blessing by Deacon David Lapinski will begin the visitation.  The Praying of the Rosary will be said by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Blessed Madonna #2521 at the end of the visitation.

A funeral Mass, officiated by Father George Jakopac, will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Our Lady of Victory Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, Pa.

Interment will be in the Centre County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Vincent DePaul's Thrift Store 1300 Benner Pike, State College, Pa. 16801 or Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Blessed Madonna #2521 c/o of Our Lady of Victory Church 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, Pa. 16801 or Our Lady of Victory Church 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, Pa. 16801.