April 12, 1936 — September 6, 2023
Karen Sue Schweigert died at the Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville, Ohio, on September 9, 2023. She was born on April 12, 1936, to the late June Smith and James McGurie.
In addition to her parents, Karen was also preceded in death by her brother, Jack Young of Sandusky, Ohio, and stepmother, Francis Darner and husband Lem Darner of Greenville, Ohio.
Karen is survived by her husband of 69 years, Robin L. Schweigert; daughter Rebecca Hames and son-in-law Gary James of Greenville; granddaughters, Cheryl Palser of Springboro, Ohio, and Kristen Heilmann of Mason, Ohio; great granddaughters, Claire Palser and Addison Heilmann; sister-in-law, Jolene Kuzma of Marblehead, Ohio, and her nieces and nephews.
Karen was known for her unwavering dedication to her family and was always there when needed without fail. Karen passed on a legacy of kindness, charity, generosity, reliability, and a strong work ethic. She was a loving grandmother, “Grammie”, and offered many educational and fun experiences to her granddaughters, and she was always there at every turn of life. Karen was a loving mother who was always there for her daughter, regardless of the personal challenges or difficulty to herself.
Karen taught for 32 years in the Greenville School district, primarily at East Elementary School, and also served as a long-term substitute teacher for an additional 14 years after retiring. She could recall the names of every one of her students, their siblings, and their parents. Her dedication to teaching and the children and families she influenced was evident to all those she encountered.
Karen also owned the fabric and craft shop, Lace-N-Trims and Other Things, in Greenville from 1986 until 1994.
Karen was very creative and was an exceptional artist. Her hobbies included traveling, reading, collecting, antiquing, and scrapbooking. In her early years, she volunteered in the Evangelical United Methodist Church nursery and was a member of the Wildflower Garden Club.
Karen was very loved and is dearly missed by her family. A private memorial service will be held at the chapel of the Brethren Retirement Community.
Donations of children’s books to the Greenville Public Library or to Hospice may be made in her memory.
Tribute Funeral Homes have been entrusted with her arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com.