Karen Elaine (Bower) Scott

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Karen Elaine (Bower) Scott, 66, of Danville, PA, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, after battling cancer for over a decade.

Born August 30, 1959 at the Maple Avenue Hospital in DuBois, PA, she was the daughter of the late Philip C. and Shirley A. (Platt) Bower. Her family relocated to Montoursville in 1971. She was a 1977 graduate of Montoursville Area High School and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Bloomsburg University in 1981. She married her high school sweetheart, Clifford Larson, and they welcomed their beloved and devoted daughter, Jessica, in 1986. In 2007 she married James TS Scott.

Karen began her career journey in early childhood development before embarking on other opportunities, ultimately becoming well known in the mortgage industry. One of her proudest accomplishments was the position as co-owner of First United Mortgage Lending, Inc. where she and her partner assisted thousands of families finance their homes.

She concluded her professional career with Service 1st Federal Credit Union, giving nearly twelve years as a financial service specialist.

She was known for having multiple hobbies, often too many to count. Anywhere from vegetable gardening, tending to her plants and bleeding heart perennials to sewing eighth grade dance dresses. She made Tooth Fairy pillows for her granddaughters, cozy fleece blankets and even foldout pillow beds. Karen also enjoyed holiday dÈcor by crafting table centerpieces, creating beautiful wreaths and sewing the family’s stockings to hang in anticipation for Santa’s arrival. When it came to an artistic thought, Karen could make anything imaginable come to life.

Karen was an avid cooker and baker. She made many of her mother’s memorable recipes, including the family-favorite sugar cookies. When able, she enjoyed having lunches with longtime friends, and escaping for a much-needed massage. Karen relished in shopping at “PJ” Maxx, as her granddaughters call it, and strolling the aisles of craft stores to get ideas for projects.

During the kinder times of coping with her cancer, she volunteered at Geisinger Medical Center as a NICU infant cuddler. Karen very much took pleasure in gift-giving and would genuinely light up when sharing this love with others.

Watching others smile with surprise brought her pure joy.

Ultimately, becoming an “Oma” was her greatest pleasure.

Karen showed limitless adoration for her “grandbabies.”

Karen is survived by daughter, Jessica (Harry) Lehman, of Dover, DE; granddaughters, Vivian and Alice Lehman; husband, James TS Scott, of Danville; two step-sons, Tristan (Emily) Scott and Tenneson Scott, of Danville; step-grandson, Callum Scott; step-mother, Erma Bower, of Lititz; two sisters, Faith (Bill) Panter, of Richmond, TX and Linda (Rick) Kneedler, of Montgomery; step-sister, Caroline (Rick Szulanczyk) Houseknecht, of Narvon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Karen was predeceased by brother-in-law, Michael Shallis; and nephew, Michael P. Shallis.

Through Karen’s years of health afflictions, she maintained her sense of humor, manifested unimaginable strength, and persevered beyond expectations. Many will miss her striking smile.

To those who were blessed to have been touched by Karen, please remember her generosity, ferocity, and her ability to love beyond measure. As Karen would say, “Life is not a dress rehearsal…..enjoy each day!”

A Celebration of Karen’s Life will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 2 p.m., at The Valley Inn, 204 Valley St., South Williamsport, PA. The family would also like to express their appreciation for all who have conveyed their heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time.