Charles & Karen (McConnell) Bieler

On Saturday, September 25, 2021, Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Maple Glen, PA and its community will celebrate and honor the lives of Charles Louis Bieler and Karen McConnell Bieler.

‘Charlie’, 81, grew up in Chestnut Hill, PA. He graduated from Kent School in Connecticut, where he played as an offensive/defensive linemen on his football team and was known by many as the ‘OX’. His second profession passion was the four years he proudly served in the U.S. Navy patrolling the Caribbean while keeping a “tight ship”. The honorable veteran went on to earn a master’s degree in health policy and management becoming an expert in health services administration and hospital mergers at Lankenau Medical Center, one of Philadelphia’s teaching hospitals.

After retirement, Charlie stayed active in his pursuits and hobbies such as gardening, sailing, all things British, and was an active choir member of the Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church. He was absolutely, hugely passionate about watching his Philadelphia Eagles, and toasted in jubilation when they won the Superbowl in 2018. But his greatest love, was his wife of nearly 50 years, Karen, whom he met when she was a nurse at Lankenau Medical Center.

Karen, 75, grew up in Erdenheim, Montgomery County, PA. After graduating from Springfield Township High School, she responded to her own calling for helping others by immediately entering nursing school and served as a registered pediatric nurse for nearly 30 years. Karen passed along her love for serving others with dignity, respect, and true compassion to her two sons whom she loved fiercely. With a gentle touch, a firm push, and encouraging words of support, she was their nurse, teacher, friend, and co-Eagles enthusiast. Above all, Karen was a spirited and patriotic woman full of fight for life.

Both Charlie and Karen are survived by their sons Chip and Mark, grandsons Connor and Kevin, brother Lou, sister Sharen and her husband Ken, and daughter in-law Elizabeth. They will be dearly missed and always remembered.

“Goodbyes are not forever, goodbyes are not the end; it simply means I’ll miss you until we meet again.” – anonymous

In honor of Charlie and Karen, the Bieler family request you to join them in celebrating their beautiful life on 9/25/21 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Maple Glen, PA.