Karen Bennington

Karen Bennington, died Monday, March 30, 2020 at St. Vincent’s Hospital.  Karen was born April 1,1943 in Toledo Ohio to Alice (Starritt) and Elmer Vorderburg.  She grew up in Toledo and attended Libby High School.  She married Richard Bennington and lived throughout Ohio and the Northeast, until she returned to Toledo in 1974. Karen raised two daughters while working full-time in a variety of jobs.  She spent many years working as a bartender at Heatherdowns Bar and Grille.  She was known for her sharp tongue and champion eye-ball rolls.  Even later in life when she had dementia, she could elicit a laugh or response with her sarcastic, and often, off-color humor. Karen loved hosting people.  She was a great cook and could whip up a giant pot of spaghetti sauce or snacks and sandwiches for a crowd at the pool.   During the summer she especially welcomed company of all ages to float around her pool on rafts, listen to music and talk.  She was never afraid of the sun and was very proud of her ability to get an amazing tan. In addition to her full-time work Karen was an incredibly skilled seamstress.  She sewed for friends and family everything from bathing suits to wedding dresses.  She also was a crafter, a painter and was famous for her crocheted blankets. She was an exceptional gardener and created stunning perennial gardens in her yard.  She took great pride in creating a warm and cozy home. Karen’s greatest joy and sense of pride were in her daughters and grandchildren; Samantha, Maxwell and Jack. She was a regular babysitter, care giver and cheerleader for them. Karen is survived by daughters Kari (Rob) Slater and Kelli (Ken) Gerke, grandchildren Samantha, Maxwell Jack (Zoe) Slater, brothers Larry (Fran) Vorderburg, Mike (Jeannie) Vorderburg, nephews Gary Bernath, Brian Vorderburg, Devin Vorderburg and three nieces Kris Bernath, Linda (Bernath) and Amy Vorderburg. Karen also leaves behind anumber of loving friends who cared for her as her medical needs became more complicated. The family is grateful for the love and support provided Georgia Bucher and Sandy Reese.  The family would like to thank the staff at Genacross Lutheran homes, especially Wynona and Robin as well as Janis Maxey from Sincera Care. Karen was preceded in death by her mother Alice, father Elmer, sister Frances (Vorderburg) Bernath, brother-in-law Harold Bernath, nephew Mark Bernath and niece Andrea Vordeburg. Due to the extraordinary circumstances, the family will schedule a memorial service for Karen when we can all be together and celebrate her life.