The Celebration of Life Service at St. Christopher Episcopal Church of Charleston, WV, on August 10, 2024, is offered in honor of Karela Rendl Blinco, Flutist and Piccoloist, of The Charleston Metro Band and The Kanawha Valley Community Band. Karela passed peacefully with her husband Tom and Band Friends Sue Littlejohn, Penny Purcell, Gretchen and Steve Foster gathered at Her bedside on July 30, 2024, following her long and courageous battle with Glioblastoma Brain Cancer at the Hubbard House Hospice in Charleston, WV.
Karela's Flutiful Friends Ensemble comprise of Sue Littlejohn, Angela Jones, Emily Patterson, Kimberly Frazier, Penny Purcell, and Gretchen Foster played a beautiful selection flute music as a prelude to the service.
The Rt. Reverend Bishop Matthew Cowden and The Reverend Deacon Denise Giardina officiated the service.
The service music was provided by Kristi Evans, Minister of Music, along with choir members of St. Christopher Episcopal Church and St. John's Episcopal Church of Huntington, WV.
The Homily was offered by The Reverend Denise Giardina.
Eulogy 1 was offered by Dr. Cyndi Persily longtime friend.
Eulogy 2 was written by Cousin Twila Campbell Mitchell and read by Caroline Chamness.
Opening Hymn: Joyful, joyful we adore thee
Old Testament: Isaiah 25: 6-9
Psalm 23
New Testament: Revelation 21: 2-7
Gospel Hymn: Standing on the promises
Gospel reading: John 14: 1-6
Offertory Hymn: Sweet will of God
Communion Hymn: I am the bread of life
Seek ye first
Recessional Hymn: Enter In
Karela was owner and operator of Head South Beauty Salon in Charleston for many years and was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a 1979 graduate of Dupont High School where she played in the band sparking a lifelong love of music. She played at many public and private events including a concert onboard the Norwegian Dawn Cruise ship with the Community Band at Sea Program. Karela brought joy to all she met throughout her life. The world is a brighter place because of Karela.