Karen L. Simon
1942 - 2026

Karen L. Johnson, loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Karen L Simon Johnson of Cape Canaveral, and formerly of Olean, N.Y., passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family Sunday, July 26, 2026.

Karen was born Jan. 24, 1942, in Olean, to Mitchell S. Simon and Rosella H. Hyatt Simon Kinsey. She married Stephen P. Johnson on May 20, 1982, who survives.

Karen attended Olean Schools.

She worked for the Exchange Bank of Olean and for several attorneys in Franklinville, N.Y. and Allegany, N.Y., including Michael L. Nenno.

After her retirement she and her husband moved to Cape Canaveral. There she loved to walk along the beach and gather with family and friends. Karen Loved music. She had a beautiful voice and sang with the Al Cecchi band in the late 60s. Karen also was a Buffalo Bills fan.

Karen loved people and had many friends. She had a knack for making people smile.

Besides her husband Steve of 44 years, Karen is survived by a son, Jeffrey M. Chicola; two sisters, Christine A. Simon of Tucson, Ariz. and Michelle R. McCready of Allegany; three grandchildren, Julie D. (David) Shields of Prosper, Texas, Stephen M. (Tara) Chicola II of Valdosta, Ga., and Chloe (Ryan) Chicola of Mount Holly, N.C.; seven great-grandchildren, Wyatt Shields, Wiliam Shields, Trey Chicola, Jackson Chicola, Kinsey Rose Chicola, Jett Chicola and Rose Elowyn Chicola; and one niece, Gretchen Spencer.

Karen was predeceased by both her parents; her stepfather, Edward J. Kinsey; and two sons, Stephen M. Chicola in 2024 and David L. Chicola in 1988.

Karen will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her.

There will be no services as per Karen's request. Her ashes will be buried at Saint Bonaventure Cemetery in Allegany.

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.