Karen R. Schick

Karen Schick, 64, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away Thursday, May 7th, 2026, at the Ohio State University Hospital after a courageous 16-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She fought with extraordinary strength and grace for every day she was given, and she spent those days doing what she loved most — being with her family. Born and raised in Erie, PA to Bob and Jean Sarnowski, Karen built a life full of warmth and laughter, spending her years between Erie, PA and Columbus, OH. She worked for the State of Ohio in her later years, a role she found meaningful, but her truest calling was always her family. She was, above all else, a mother and a grandmother — and she poured everything she had into both. Karen is survived by her husband of 37 years, Gary, and her two children, Jamie and Justin, along with her three beloved grandchildren, her brother, her 3 sisters, and her father. She was preceded in death by her mother. If you were lucky enough to know Karen, you knew her smile first. It was enormous, and it came easily — over good news, a fun card game, a grandchild’s laugh, or a big play in an OSU or Browns game. She was the kind of person who made you feel celebrated over the smallest things, and who ached for you when something went wrong. Her empathy was as natural as breathing. She loved to read in the evenings, host gatherings with more snacks and drinks than anyone could need, ride her bike through the neighborhood, and walk her dog, Abby. She had a deep fondness for Hallmark movies, cooking shows, and traveling to be with the people she loved — whether that meant making the trip to Erie or heading up to Michigan to see her son. She especially loved playing cards and games with her big, loud, joyful family, and if Gary dared to block her in Sequence or Skip-Bo, the whole room would hear about it. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. A proud and dedicated member of the Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, Karen drew strength from her relationship with God, especially through her illness. But the image that captures Karen best is this: on the floor, surrounded by toys, playing with her grandchildren. Fully present. Completely joyful. Exactly where she wanted to be. She asked to be remembered with hair — and with love. Family will receive friends from 3 pm- 5 pm on Friday, May 15, 2026 at the TIDD FUNERAL HOME, 5265 Norwich St., Hilliard, OH 43026; where a memorial service will follow at 5 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Karen's memory to pancreatic cancer research. Please donate to:

- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) - pancan.org

- National Cancer Institute - cancer.gov/research