Obituary of Karen A. Traver

Karen A. Traver Olean— Karen A. Traver of Prospect Ave. Olean, passed away unexpectedly Friday (June 22, 2007) at her home. Born April 16, 1947 in New London CT., she was the daughter of Arthur D. and Edith Johnson Traver. Miss. Traver graduated from Groton High School, CT in 1965. She received her BA from Houghton College and after moving to Olean in 1969, she attended St. Bonaventure University where she earned her Masters Degree in 1970. She began teaching at East View Elementary School in 1971 where she taught fifth and second grade. She also was a coach for the Olympics of the Mind and Odyssey of the Mind for many years while teaching at East View prior to her retirement in 2000. Miss. Traver enjoyed combining traveling and education doing comparative educational studies in Mexico, Philippines and India. In 1986 she was chosen by the Olean Rotary Club to participate in an educational exchange program while living with two families in Sweden. In 1990 she lived with a Japanese family while studying there. She was honored by the class of 2000 as the teacher in the district who inspired students the most. A member of Christ United Methodist Church, she was very active in the church serving on the board of trustees as treasurer, parsonage treasurer, memorial committee, camping committee, summer church camp counselor, choir, bell choir and was a former Sunday School Teacher. Miss Traver was a lifetime member of the National Education Association Retired, the New York State Retired Teachers Association; the NEA of New York and a lifetime member of the Western Zone of New York State Retired Teachers Association. She was a volunteer for Interfaith Caregivers, a member of the Friends of the Library and also a member of AARP and a former member of the Olean YMCA. She formerly bowled for the Olean Teachers League where she served as the league secretary. After retiring she continued to travel, especially on cruises to many places. Surviving is her brother Mark (Linda Getz) Traver of Brandon, Fl, two nieces, Kristi (Rudy) Dorough and Lindsey (Ryan) !McLeod; two nephews Paul (Mari) Traver and Cory Traver, five great nieces Luna Traver, Abigail Ramey, Savannah Dorough all of Zephyr Hills Fl, Olivia !McLeod and Cora !McLeod both of Tampa Fl; a great- nephew Owen !McLeod of Tampa Fl; three aunts Elsie Marchand of Niantic, CT; Lynne Traver of Stonington, CT, and Laurel Graham of Victoria TX, eight cousins, and a close friend R. Dianne Stephan of Olean and her family David (Elaine) Stephan and their children Andrew and Sarah Stephan and Cathy Stephan and her daughter Meighan Stephan. Friends will be received at Christ United Methodist Church, Linwood Ave., Olean on Monday (June 25, 2007) from 3:30 until 5pm at which time funeral services will be held. Rev. Christine Allen will officiate. A light supper will be served after the service. Burial will be in Col. Ledyard Cemetery in Groton, CT. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Casey, Halwig and Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd. Olean. Memorials may be made to Christ United Methodist Church in Olean.