Karen Combs Flickinger, of State College, PA, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, surrounded by her family, after a brief battle with cancer.  Karen was born on January 27, 1938 to her parents Ralph and Elizabeth Combs.   She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Dr. George Flickinger, and her three daughters, Anne (Paul) Lobb, Dr. Barbara (Marta) Flickinger, and Kristin (David) Michener.  She is also survived by her seven grandchildren Sarah and David Lobb, and Hannah (Allie), Madeline, Michaela, Joel and Justin Michener.   Karen graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in dental hygiene in 1958, and a Bachelor Degree in Education from West Chester University in 1976.   She was an integral part of a team that developed the preventative dentistry program at Penn Dental School and continued teaching at the University for many years, eventually becoming the President of the Pennsylvania Dental Hygienist Association.  Karen also briefly worked as a Director of Continuing Education at Dallas Presbyterian Hospital prior to retirement.  Karen was an avid traveler, but her most precious days were spent at her summer home with her husband in Ocean Pines, Maryland for nearly 40 years.  She loved to sail, play bridge and read a good mystery.  She was an active leader and participant in many clubs during her retirement years at the Village in Penn State University, including theatre groups, the jazz band and the creative director of the residential radio show.  Her spirit for entertaining was unwavering, as every piano she passed would soon fill the room with a beautiful song for all nearby to enjoy.  Karen always truly appreciated her engagements with others and was a caring listener.  She was also an advocate and friend for any animal that passed her way, including the many dogs and cats she cared for during her life.   Karen’s love for her family, animals and a cleaner environment was evident in both her words and actions.  She will be dearly missed by all.  In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to breast or ovarian cancer research or your local animal rescue shelter.  Arrangements handled by Rose Funeral Home and Cremation Services.