Karen (neé Zabelicky) Meservey-Montross, of Warrington, Pa., died August 28. 2022.

She was born in Hudson County, N.J. to Muriel E. Hess and Richard J. Zabelicky, Sr. She was the oldest of four children including Richard Zabelicky and twins, Kristin Coryell and Christopher Zabelicky.

She was married to Norman R. Meservey for 22 years and then Robert W. Montross for 25 years.

She studied for her RN license at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA; and also studied Mental Health and Therapeutic Recreation at Northeastern University, Boston, MA. Her studies in social work continued at Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA; and she maintained her Nursing License with Continuing Education Units.

Karen worked as a nurse in many hospitals, outpatient facilities and schools, providing care and comfort to patients, families and students alike. She took a special interest in caring for those with intellectual and physical disabilities, facilitating and instructing such programs throughout Bucks County. She also volunteered at food banks, church events and school functions.

She was a faithful military wife and survivor to SSG Robert W Montross, USA, Retired.

As a child, Karen lived in New York City. Her family then moved to Bucks County, Pa., where she spent her youth and began her schooling and career.

As a young bride, she moved to Massachusetts and started her family. In 1984, she returned to and settled in Pennsylvania.  

Karen was an artist who enjoyed painting, ceramics and floral arrangements. She was a well-read Anglophile with a witty sense of humor and a quote for every occasion. She was a talented singer, musician and writer; enjoyed nature, walking and camping.

On September 9, 2006, Karen and her dear friend Joan Kelly professed into the OFS/Secular Franciscan Order, joining the Community of the Holy Spirit OFS Fraternity at St. Luke’s Roman Catholic Church in Glenside, Pa.

Karen had a Passion for education and social work. She dedicated her career to caring for others, especially those with intellectual and physical disabilities. She took the greatest pride and joy in her grandchildren, whom she helped raise. She was a devout Catholic; meek, gentle, kind and thoughtful.  She was also a brave breast cancer survivor.
 
She is survived by her children: Elizabeth Burns, husband Kevin Burns of Lansdale; Kevin Meservey, wife Hanh Tran of Standish, Wigan, U.K.; Christopher Meservey, wife Jen Heller of Glenside; Kate Montross-O’Neill, husband Michael O’Neill of Quakertown; Donna Montross of Southampton;  Amy Montross Hewitt of Newtown; Robert A. Montross.

She is also survived by her Grandchildren: Sean McCoy Sr., wife Emily McCoy of Red Hill; Megan McCoy of Hatfield, Molly McCoy of Lansdale, Leo, Thomas and Alexander Meservey of Standish, Wigan, U.K.; Lily, Charlotte, Rowan and Olivia Montross-O’Neill of Quakertown; Sara and Michael Catelli, Jr. of Richboro and Gabrielle, Ashley and Mikayla Hewitt of Newtown and one great-grandson: Sean Robert McCoy, Jr., of Red Hill, and three siblings: Richard Zabelicky, Jr. of Southampton, Kristin Coryell, husband Mark Coryell of Warminster and Christopher Zabelicky, wife Shirley Zabelicky of Hatboro. She also had many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunt and friends.

She leaves her beloved pets Jack in care of Kate and Michael O’Neill and Buddy in care of Lisa and Doug Bair.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert W. Montross who died in 2014, and many treasured animal companions.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation, Wednesday September 7, 2022, 9:30 am to 10:15 am, at St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church, Lansdale, PA 19446. Her Funeral Mass follows at 10:30 am. Burial at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, Pa., at 1:30 pm. Please arrive by 1 pm.

A luncheon will follow the burial. Details to follow.

If you wish to make a donation in Karen’s memory, please support

The Alzheimer’s Association
225 N. Michigan Ave,
Fl 17
Chicago, IL 60601

or 
The St. Francis Inn
2441 Kensington Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19125

The family would like to thank the loving communities of St. John of the Cross in Roslyn, Queen of Peace in Glenside and St. Luke the Evangelist in Glenside, Pa., for many years of Christian Fellowship and the Secular Franciscan Order for being Karen’s brothers and sisters in Christ.