Karen B. Violette, 64, of Niles died at 8:10AM Saturday June 25, 2011 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Youngstown, Ohio.

She was born October 30, 1946 in Youngstown the daughter of Earl L. and Rita Jennings Gregory.

Karen was a 1964 graduate of Niles McKinley High School, an award winning reporter for The Tribune Chronicle, managing editor of The Niles Times and weekly author of column "Behind The Scenes". While at the paper, she organized yearly food drives for Niles Community Services.

She was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Niles, an officer for Washington Elementary School PTA and Niles Football Mothers, founding member and five year president of Niles Academic Boosters, Democratic Precinct Committee member, and enjoyed reading, camping and fishing.

She will be deeply missed by her husband Leo J. "Koco" Violette whom she married, June 17, 1967, four sons, Kevin E. Violette and his wife Tami of Wilmington, North Carolina, Kurt L. Violette and his wife Paula of Austintown Kristopher C. Violette of Niles, and Robert G. Violette, at home, eight grandchildren, Patrick, Zackary, Morgan, Zeelia, Alexandre, Evelyn, Delylah, and Diane, a half sister Tanya Gregory of New Jersey, and special friends Robert Jacola and Cheryl Walker.

She is preceded in death by an infant daughter Bernadette O'Malley Violette and her parents.

Friends may call Monday from 5 to 8PM at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles where The Mt. Carmel Bereavement will conduct prayers at 7:30PM.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday at 9:30AM atOur Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Niles preceded by a 9AM prayer service at the funeral home.

In liu of flowers material contributions can be made to offset funeral costs C/O the funeral home.

Friends and family can view this obituary, sign the guestbook, and send e-mail condolences at www.josephrossifuneralhome.com