Karen Entrekin Bearde

Karen Entrekin Bearde passed away in the comfort of her home on May 8th, 2024. She was 81. 

Karen was born November 16th, 1942 to Lillian and Sylvester Entrekin. She grew up in Coatesville and received a bachelor’s degree from Ursinus College. 

In 1963, she began student teaching, which is where she met her husband Jon Bearde; the two were married in 1965. Their family grew quickly with the arrival of three girls; Meridy, Amy and Megan.  

Karen always made her family her priority. Life was filled with gymnastics, dance classes, brownie troops and whatever sport or activity the girls were involved with. They spent their summers in Ocean City, NJ and often visited her mother in Sarasota, Florida.

Despite a busy life at home, Karen continued to pursue her love of education with a new focus on preschool learning. She combined her passion for teaching and children by founding the nursery school at Covenant Presbyterian in Malvern.

After spending 18 years in Chester County, a job reassignment brought Karen and Jon to the Washington D.C. area where they would spend the next 10 years. Karen fully embraced the change, integrating herself into new social circles and activities. 

Soon the girls married and sons-in-law Bill, Rich and Ian quickly earned their way into her heart. Karen was blessed with seven grandchildren; Emily, Abby, Lily, Allison, Aidan, Ethan and Chloe, who knew her as “Nanny”.  Being a grandmother was Karen’s favorite role and she supported her grandchildren by going to countless school presentations, musicals, sporting events, competitions and graduations.

Karen had many hobbies; she was an avid gardener, lover of books and competitive card player.  She could cross-stitch, needlepoint and sew anything. She loved to cook and bake and often spoiled her grandkids with batches of home-made cookies. Through the years, Karen overcame her fear of flying with trips overseas to China, Europe and the Caribbean. 

Karen was well known for her warmth, easy smile and generosity. Although she is terribly missed, her family takes great comfort in knowing she has been reunited with her daughter Megan.

Remembrance services will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Home of the Sparrow at https://www.homeofthesparrow.org/donations/, which is an organization Karen dearly loved and supported.