Karen Elaine Cannon, a life well lived

Dr. Karen Elaine Cannon passed away peacefully Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, in Harrisonburg, Va. She was born Sept. 18, 1944, and raised in West Virginia. She married the love of her life, Dr. Earl Cannon Jr., July 23, 1969, in Pleasant View, Tenn., beginning a 56-year partnership filled with love and devotion.

Karen began her career in education as an English teacher and later served as a principal in Tennessee. After moving to Lewes in 1984, she continued her work as an administrator with both the Cape Henlopen and Caesar Rodney school districts. Her commitment to students, staff, and families shaped countless lives and left a lasting impact on every community she served.

Karen’s love of music began at 11 while playing piano in her father’s church. Throughout her life, she found joy and purpose in sharing that gift through directing choirs, singing hymns, and founding the Cape Sea Shore Singers. A talented seamstress and quilter, she spent many hours creating costumes for Conley’s Chapel’s Living Nativity and crafting blankets and handmade gifts for local charities. She also loved playing cards and games with her friends and grandchildren. Whether welcoming guests into her home, offering encouragement, or sharing her many creative talents, Karen’s vibrant spirit brought warmth and beauty to others.

Karen especially loved celebrating Christmas and expressed the joy of the season through her music, decorations, and thoughtful gifts. She freely shared her faith in Jesus, often praying with strangers or inviting someone she’d just met to church. Her generosity and kindness were genuine, spontaneous, and deeply felt by all who knew her.

Above all, Karen will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family. She is survived by her beloved husband, Dr. Earl Cannon Jr.; her daughters, Amy Graham (Trevor), Mary Steiner and Catherine Flaherty (Kevin); her grandchildren, Jordan, Christina, Molly, Michaela, Henry and Aaron; and brother, Robert Salser. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Robert and Mary Salser; stepmother, Dorothy Salser; and in-laws, Earl and Ruth Cannon Sr.

Karen’s legacy of faith, music, generosity, and love will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.