Karen Lee Kohli

Calling hours will be from 9 to 10:50 a.m. on Tuesday September 23, 2025 followed by a Prayers and Cremation Ceremony at 11 a.m. at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel, 3701 Starr Center Drive, Canfield, for Karen Prindle Kohli, beloved wife of Dr. Chander Kohli, mother of Nisha Kohli Swain and the late Aneal Kohli. Karen was a philanthropist and vibrant community member, who passed away peacefully Friday, Sept. 19, at her Liberty Township home, surrounded by family.

Born in Lorain, Ohio, on Dec. 2, 1945, to Allen W. and Marjorie D. Prindle, Karen graduated from the M.B. School of Nursing in Elyria, and began her career at Elyria Memorial Hospital, where she met her future husband, who became a prominent Youngstown area neurosurgeon. The couple married and built a life together grounded in love and mutual support.

Despite enduring surgery and radical treatment for a pituitary tumor, Karen courageously went on to give birth to two children, son Aneal, who died in 2007, and Nisha (Ashok Swain). When they built their home in 1975, they designed a higher ceiling to accommodate the motor home that would take their family on travels across most of the U.S.'48 continental states and several Canadian provinces. Her adventurous spirit and infectious and outgoing personality also led her to enjoy cruises and journeys that took her and her family to five of the seven continents.

Karen's life was also marked by deep compassion, and she, along with her husband, supported many major and minor charitable events and causes, especially after the death of their son, from hemophilia, including serving several years on the board of trustees of the American Cancer Society's Cattle Baron's Ball. She and her husband's tireless efforts and dedication were recognized in 2023 with the Philanthropist of the Year award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Above all, Karen was concerned with the well-being of her family. She was a devoted caregiver through her children's medical issues, and lovingly supported her husband's busy medical practice through multiple moves, while wholeheartedly embracing the Indian community in their endeavors. Her husband, who considered her the love of his life, knew he had her unwavering support, even if he wasn't allowed in the kitchen.

One of six children, Karen was raised in Pennfield, Ohio, in a loving family that included her older half-brother, Dale Reisinger; older sisters, Sherrill Seeley and Lois Magisano; older brother, Gary Prindle; and younger sister, Penny Taylor. She attended Pennfield Elementary School and Pennfield Congregational Church.

After beginning high school at Keystone High in LaGrange, she moved with her family to Wakeman, where she graduated from Western Reserve High School. There she was popular among her peers for her fun-loving nature and quick wit, traits that would define her whole life. As a child, she nurtured a great love for horses and proudly participated in the 4-H program, showing her horse at the county fair and other events.

Her family's long, adventurous car trips took her to Yellowstone National Park, Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains, and ignited her lifelong passion for travel. Holidays were often spent at her grandparents' farm in Avon, surrounded by her extensive family of aunts, uncles and cousins. She also developed a keen fondness for card games, leading to her participation in bridge clubs and tournaments.

While her family and friends will miss her lively conversation and frank, spirited debates, her legacy of strength, resilience and boundless love will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Karen is survived by her loving husband, Chander, her daughter and son-in-law, Nisha and Ashok, and sister, Lois Magisano.