Karen Sue Rydman

Karen Sue Rydman (Zarecki) passed away peacefully on March 6, 2022, at the age of 72, in her home with her loving husband by her side after a courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Honoring her wishes she spent her final days at home surrounded by her husband, daughters, and family. She was born September 28,1949 in Toledo, Ohio to Eugene L. Zarecki and Donna M. (Neithammer) both of whom proceeded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her brother Richard F. Zarecki. Karen was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Karen is survived by her devoted husband Donald W Rydman. daughters: Lisa Rickard, Amy Hurt & Julie (Nicholas) Estvanik; grandsons’, Brandon (Danni), Hillebrand, Johnathon Stockard & Collin Hurt; great grandchildren Cyrus and Olivia Hillebrand. Karen is also survived by a brother, Kenneth Zarecki, nieces, nephews, many extended family, and great friends. Karen met the love of her life, Don in 1979 working in the same building downtown Toledo. Karen worked as a bookkeeper at McElheney on the 1st floor, Don the Furniture Smith on the 3rd Floor. Don saw Karen on the elevator turned to his friend and said, “I am going to Marry her someday” and they did just that on December 14th 1979.for Don “it was love at first site”. Family and friends said this is not going to last, they’ve shown love bears all things spending over 42 years together. She and Don worked tirelessly to provide a loving home. Karen held many positions over her career in the Federal and County Courts as well as private law firms. Karen’s greatest love was her family. She enjoyed any family get together, Smith Family reunions, weekend cookouts, birthday’s, hosting holidays, Smith Family Breakfast, lunches, and Family Sunday Funday’s she enjoyed celebrating everything. Karen was a biological mother of 3 daughters. However, many considered and affectionately called her “Momma Karen”. She would proudly boast about all her daughters. Often would say “I must have done something right you girls sure are good to me”. She was a very proud grandmother she enjoyed attending their football games, grand-parents breakfast, graduation, any special occasion that she could say “That’s my Grandson”. Karen was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Church her passion was caring for others. She was always the first to offer help morning blessing helping the less fortunate before work, Sunday School Teacher, served on the Church Counsel, organized Easter Brunch, and monthly lunch bunch. She did this not out of obligation, but because of who she was. A Memorial Service to honor Karen will be held on Saturday March 19th 11AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 428 N Erie Street Toledo, Ohio 43604 “The Church with the heart, in the heart of downtown Toledo” The family invites you to a luncheon immediately following the service at Toledo Police Patrolman’s Association (TPPA Union Hall) 1947 Franklin Ave Toledo, Ohio 43604 A very special thanks to the Kind and Loving Staff at Flower Hospital & Promedica Hospice. The Family asks in lieu of Flowers please consider a donation to the Victory Center.