Karen J. Turner

Karen Jeanne Turner of Maumee, OH went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 21, 2023. Born November 18,1943 to the late Walter R. and Dorothy E. (Martin) Adkins of Maumee. Karen was born and raised in Toledo, OH. Karen was a 1961 graduate of DeVilbiss High School who went on to the University of Toledo to earn her Bachelor’s in education then her Master’s. She was a beloved teacher, principal and colleague in Washington Local Schools from 1972 –1999. Karen had a love of children and seeing them excel, she spent many years teaching the LEAP (learning, experiences, activities and projects) program. Karen helped create a young astronaut program that allowed children to take yearly visits to the John Glenn NASA facility in Cleveland. The LEAP program used a curriculum foundation created by Karen to participate in the Young Astronauts through 2010.

In 1963 Karen married the love of her life, Robert P. Turner, whom she met at St. Andrew’s Episcopal church. They enjoyed 48 years together traveling the globe, being active members of the Maumee Elks and The Zenobia Shrine and entertaining family and friends. Karen’s real love was their son whom she fondly called R.K., and three grandchildren, Kristen, Robby and Travis. Karen enjoyed many trips, to local parks and the zoo with them, as well as many vacations together. Anyone that knew Karen knew of her love to shop. To Karen shopping was her therapy, a well-planned skill that she taught Kristen (never take the first one) with numerous trips to malls and outlets, including a graduation trip to the Mall of America.

Karen is survived by her son, Robert K. Turner (Lisa); grandchildren, Kristen Bozmoff (Matthew), Robert D. Turner, and Travis J. Turner; siblings, Merrilee Zawadski, Thomas Adkins (Sheilah McAdams), James Adkins, John Adkins (Beverly), Beth Meyers (Gary), and David Adkins (Vicki). Karen is also survived by many nieces, nephews and special friends, Connie Barron and Jo Salvage. Karen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert P. Turner; brother, Richard V. Adkins; and brother-in-law Joseph Zawadski.

The family would like to thank the staff at Charter Senior Living of Sylvania and the staff of Heartland Hospice for their care. We are blessed to have had all of you be a part of her care.

Per Karen’s wishes there will not be any services at this time; a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.