Karen L. Dean, 53, of 283 Fording Road, New Castle, passed way the morning of Sunday, March 6, 2011, in her home.Born December 15, 1957 in Fort Rucker, Alabama, she was a daughter of Robert and JoAnn Taylor Sickels. She married Michael C. Dean on July 25, 1981. He survives.Karen graduated from Mohawk High School in 1975. She was employed by Liberty Mutual Insurance Corp. as an insurance rater for 33 years.Karen enjoyed cooking, cleaning, baking and taking care of others. She will be remembered as a very loving person who always found the good in others. Karen attended Kings Chapel Church.In addition to her husband, survivors include her mother, JoAnn of Besemer; a daughter, Melissa; a son, Michael, both of New Castle; two sisters, Brenda Carlo and Donna Bickel.She was preceded in death by her father, RobertServices will be private at the family's convenience.Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3208B Wilmington Road, PO Box 5037, New Castle, 16105.Arrangements by R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road.