Karen Jane Simpson, age 69 of Painesville Township, passed away at home on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 18, 1949 to the late William and Margaret “Peggy” Simpson.
Karen attended Collinwood High School, before entering the workforce becoming an important team member of a large Cleveland corporate food broker. Karen took time to raise her two girls while coaching cheerleading at North High School and working part time in the admissions office at Lakeland Community College. Inspired by working in higher education she attended Lakeland Community College as a student earning an Associate of Applied Science in Ophthalmology. As a Certified Ophthalmic Technician Karen finished her professional career with the world renowned Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute.
Despite her hectic schedule, family and friends were Karen’s passion and delight. She enjoyed spending time with her Grandchildren, playing cards with friends, and golfing with her beloved companion, Rich. Ruby, their golden doodle, brought her immense joy and comfort for the past five years including her final hours, curled up on the bed by her side.
Karen is the loving companion for the past 20 years of Richard Dettling; loving mother of Laurie (Rich) Phillips of Concord Twp and Lisa (Ed) Rendek of Mentor; beloved grandmother of Richie, Meghan, and Maya Phillips and Karyn and Eddie Rendek; sister of Byron (Mary) Simpson, Alan (Kathy) Simpson and the late William Simpson III; sister in law of Carol Simpson; aunt to many.
Visitation will be held 2-5 PM Saturday, March 2, 2019 at McMahon Coyne Vitantonio Funeral Home, 6330 Center Street, Mentor.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 5 PM Saturday at the funeral home.
The family wishes to thank Cleveland Clinic Hospice, 6801 Brecksville Rd., Suite 10/ RK30 Independence, OH 44131 and The ALS Association, Northern Ohio Chapter, 6155 Rockside Rd. Ste. 403 Independence, OH 44131 who comforted and cared for her during her final days. Please consider these organizations for donations in Karen’s honor.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jeff Monreal Funeral Services.
Reader interactions
13 Replies to “Karen J. Simpson”
I met Karen while in college with her daughter Lisa. I think many that know her can say, she lit up the room and immediately made you feel like you were family. Throughout the years, I have seen how much her daughter Lisa is like her. Karen’s smile was contagious and she had the best laugh. She was so easy and fun to be with. Love to all the family!!
Laurie and family, so very sorry to hear of your moms passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen, May the blessing of everlasting peace be yours. Thank you for spreading your beautiful smile every day at the Cole Eye! Your memory will be in many hearts forever ❤️
My sweet KarenJane: God loaned you to me at a time in my life when I really needed someone. We may not have been sure that we were right for each other at the time. Now, I am sure God loved me and blessed me with our meeting. I am broken hearted to have lost you, but God promises he has prepared a place for us through faith where we can be together again. I believe in, and am certain his promises are real. Some where out there within or outside our universe is the place. I will meet you there soon. Until then, rest my Love. Richard
We wish to express our sadness and sympathy to Rich and Karens beloved daughters and families. We have been friends for over 17 years and I adored Karen from the moment we met. We became very good friends, vacationed a few times together as couples. Her beautiful smile, laugh, and wonderful personality will remain in our minds and hearts forever. Karen, we will miss you everyday, and wish you peace and comfort forever, as you are with God and all his glory. We send our love to you and all
I am so sorry, I have loved having her for my neighbor. Enjoyed spending game night with her. It breaks my heart that she is gone but also glad she isn’t suffering. Rest In Peace my friend
Karen was a very dear friend and very upbeat
She always stated how blessed she was , when
in a conversation, May God wrap his arms around you and give peace and comfort to all
She will be missed greatly
Jerry & Sherry
Karen, thank you for being the loving mother of our daughter Laurie. We were close friends all those years. You will be missed.
Karen was awesome. I spoke to her regularly at LCC. She was extremely helpful to me and all of the students at LCC. Rest In Peace.
She had a spirit of Joy. It was always a positive experience working with her at Cole Eye. My love goes out to her family.
I worked with Karen she was one of the nicest person I knew. I just loved her I will miss her dearly
I knew you briefly but I knew how much Uncle Richard loved you may you rest in peace
My husband Dan was Karen’s childhood friend and I was blessed to meet her 49 years ago through him. We became instant friends and shared too many wonderful memories to list. Karen was always so positive and even tried to be this way while battling this horrible disease. She was and will always be my forever friend!
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