Karen Elizabeth Marlow-Bennett
April 10, 1956 ~ October 16, 2012
Visitation:
The Public is welcome to attend all services.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 20, 2012 from 12 Noon until 1:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown, MD. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM in the funeral home chapel.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will immediately follow the service at Flora Corner Farm, 28285 Flora Corner Road, Mechanicsville, MD.
Karen Elizabeth Marlow-Bennett, 56, of Hollywood Maryland died on October 16, 2012 at her home after a long courageous 4 year battle with cancer, surrounded by her husband, family and extraordinary friends. Daughter of the late William and Gracia Marlow, Karen was born April 10, 1956 in Bethesda Maryland and left there in 1974 to attend St. Mary's College in Southern Maryland. She eventually made this beautiful county her permanent home and married lifelong resident Charles R. Bennett in 1987. Karen is also survived by sisters Laurie Boegel and husband Jimmy, Melissa Reid and husband Eddie, brother Billy and wife Jennifer. She was the devoted mother to Jenny Conrad and her husband Pat and devoted grandmother to Gannon, Devan and Quinn. She is also survived by and was favorite Aunt to Hollie, Joey and Brice Reid and Alison and Jamie Boegel; and her Aunt, Penelope Madden. Karen had many special friends who admired and loved her. Karen was a devoted teacher at Margret Brent Middle School for 31 years and was loved by students and coworkers alike. In July 2007 Karen received the Work Hard Be Nice Award. Prior to Karen's diagnosis of cancer and even at times during her battle with cancer she stayed active, bike riding, rollerblading, jazzercise, swimming and dancing to her favorite music. Karen loved gardening, cooking and spending time with her two beloved dogs Lulabell and Ranger. Sadly Ranger died suddenly earlier this year. Karen loved the beach; long walks, swimming in the ocean, sunsets, and spending time with family on vacations. The family is grateful to St. Mary’s Hospice and St. Mary’s Cancer Care Center for their care. A very special thanks to Beth, Louise, Cathy Jo, Geri and Janet, for their loving care and devotion. And to Kathy York for bringing beautiful flower arrangements to Karen for many weeks to brighten up her days; and to Diane Burroughs for sharing Flora Corner Farm for Karen's Celebration of Life Gathering. Visitation will be held in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD, on Saturday, October 20, 2012 from 12PM to 1PM. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00PM in the Funeral Home Chapel, a Celebration of Life Gathering immediately following, at Flora Corner Farm, 28385 Flora Corner Road, Mechanicsville, MD. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1041 Rt. 3 North Building A, Gambrills, MD 21054, and/or Heifer International, 1 World Avenue Little Rock, AR 72202. Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR/USA 72202 Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR/USA 72202
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“Charlie: Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and that you can call on us for anything. Karen was a lovely person!.”
“Charlie, know that your wife left footprints on my heart….her courage, strength, and love will be celebrated by many for the rest of our lives! I thanked her last Wednesday for her friendship. Take Care of yourself!”
“Charlie, I’m so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you – Tism”
“I had the privilege to work with Karen at MBMS. she was a genuine, thoughtful, radiant person. This world is a better place for those whose lives she touched. “
“I am so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. I hadn’t seen her in years, but know that she had a long struggle, and I hope that she is now at peace, and smiling….she always had, a beautiful smile for eeveryone….”
“Karen was a wonderful person. Charlie we’ve been thinking of you, and our prayers go out to you and all Karen’s family and friends.”
“Prayers to the BENNETT FAMILY.”
“Karen was a special friend to many people, but has always been Karen and Charlie – now she leaves you with a gift – the gift of many friends – they will be there when you need them. God give you strength for the days the days ahead. Alan”
“My deepest sympathy to the Bennett family for the loss of Karen. I first met Karen when she taught my sons at MBMS. She was an excellent teacher who is often remembered as a favorite. Later, I was privileged to work with Karen at Margaret Brent and got to witness the kind, patient, and caring person she was.”
“Dear Charlie, I am so sorry to learn of Karen’s passing. She was an extraordinary woman and a delightful neighbor for the 19 years we lived down the street. Her genuine warmth towards my children and our dogs was such a blessing. I so enjoyed my visits with her as we chatted about the kids, her grandchildren, the dogs (yours and ours), gardening, etc. The neighborhood there on Ivy Lane will not be the same without her. I pray that your cherished memories and the love of God will sustain you in the difficult days ahead. Thinking of you.”
“To the Bennett Family we are sorry for the loss of your Loved one.Karen will be missed by many, Your Family will be in our thoughts and Prayers.”
“Karen truly will be missed. I am so glad I had the priviledge of knowing her. She taught me how to treat life as a blessing each day. My prayers are with each of you and her loved friends from Margaret Brent Middle School. A true family has helped Karen to pass from our lives. “
“Charlie, Karen was a lovely intelligent woman who will be missed so much. Our prayers are with you and your family. With Affection, The Fearns Family”
“Charlie I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless and be with you now and always.”
“Charlie, You know how we felt about Karen. We had a beautiful pink sunrise this morning on the OBX, never saw anything like it before. I believe Karen had something to do with it. We are thinking of you. “
“My beautiful sister-in-law will be dearly missed. Charlie, always thinking of you..my parents too. “
“Charlie, so sorry for you loss. Karen was a remarkable young women. She is no longer suffering and is a peace now. My thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time.”
“Karen was a beautiful person inside and out – I am so happy to have had the chance to be her friend for over 30 years and her smile and laugh will stay with me always. Sending my sympathy and love to Laurie, Melissa, Billy and Charlie. I know that Karen dearly loved all of you and her nieces, nephews and grandchildren – I’m sure that she has left a hole in everyone’s hearts. I am unable to come on Saturday as we will be out of town for a family gathering that I cannot change. Please know that I will be thinking of you. With love, Joanne “
“Charlie, sorry for your loss and if I had the magic words to make the pain ease I would say them. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. She will be missed. “
“How can we begin to say how much we will miss Karen’s cheerful voice, sunny smile, and kind heart? Karen was a teacher heart and soul, a supportive friend, and exactly why Louis Armstrong sings “It’s A Wonderful World”. Charlie, you both taught us that family bonds with laughter and joy, comfort and shared experiences-memories to cherish of a lifetime, for a lifetime. We love you Karen, and miss you forever.”
“Charlie, So, so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort from all of us who care. She was a very beautiful woman and will be missed dearly. Please know that you are in our prayers. “
“Charlie, so sorry for your loss. Be strong my friend. My thoughts and prayers for you and your family.”
“Karen made such a lasting impression on me… after almost thirty five years later I can still hear her singing crazy songs, dancing and yelling “IACONA!”in the middle of campus. She never said a bad word about anyone, she was kind and funny and warm. One of the tributes we paid her was to name sunny days after her… we called them “Karen Marlow Days” whenever the sun was bright and beautiful… so that’s how I will remember her on future bright and sunny days! May she rest in peace.”
“Charles, Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Karen was one of a kind,always welcoming and so bright and beautiful. Bless you. Debbie Bennett Escalante”
“Charlie- So sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you. Take care and let us know, if we can help you. Jini & Dal”
“Charlie – we are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family.”
“Charlie and Family, I’m so sorry for your loss of this beautiful bright light. Karen knew and you knew this day would come but it is such a sad, sad time and I know how you must be hurting. She fought hard and endured a lot of suffering but now she is finally at peace! My love, thoughts and prayers are with you! “
“Love that picture. I can’t think of a time I saw Karen that she wasn’t smiling. Best of luck Charlie – I know it will be hard without her.”
“Miss you so much Marlow!!! You were a huge part of our life and our family. You have always been amazing to me. Your gardens, your cooking, your “earthyness”. I will miss you everytime I walk, rollerblade, bike, or ski. You were there with me all the time. Love you forever!”
“Charlie, So saddened to read about the loss of your beautiful wife. I did not have the pleasure of knowing her but just seeing her picture and reading comments I can tell she was a kind & loving woman. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.”
“Charlie, we are so sorry for your loss. Karen was one of the best. I have so many wonderful memories of the times we spent together…She was one of the best teachers this county had….she will also live on through those children. She put up such a battle, now she is at peace.”
“Charlie–We are so sorry for your loss. Karen was so courageous in her illness. May you find comfort in knowing that she is finally at rest with no more suffering.”
“Dear Charlie, we are so very sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. Please know that if there is anything we can do don’t hesitate to call. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. God bless!”
“Charlie, so sorry for your lose. Karen left her mark on the hearts and heads of so many. Keep the Faith .”
“I was glad to have known Karen. She was a kindhearted and generous woman. She reaIly looked out for me and helped me a lot during my brief time at Margaret Brent. I am saddened to hear of her passing. You have my deepest sympathy.”
“Charlie, We were so sorry to hear about Karen. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. We are just so sad for you at this time.”
“I first met my future Aunt Karen as a 7th grade student at Margaret Brent Middle School. She was my history teacher and my homeroom teacher. Even though it was her first year teaching, she was wonderful and special. I was blessed to have her continue in my life as my Aunt after she married my Uncle Charlie. She will be dearly missed.”
“Karen was such a warm and happy and loving person. I was privileged to know her through our association at MBMS. My son, Luke, sends his condolences also. We all thought the world of this beautiful woman. God has another angel in His midst.”
“Mr. Bennett, Jenny and family – we are so sorry for your loss! May the love and support of family and friends bring each of you comfort and strength! Cherish the memories and enjoy life just as Karen did. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”
“Charlie – I am so sorry for your loss. You are so lucky to have had such a wonderful woman in your life.”
“To the Bennett Family: We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. It is hard to lose someone that you love so dearly. We know she will be truly missed by all. She suffers no more.”
“Charlie, Karen and I were colleagues at MBMS. I’ll always remember her beautiful smile that accompanied every greeting. Karen who was treasured by both faculty and students left us a legacy of love. Our loss has been heaven’s gain. “
“omg Ms. bennet. I was one of you’re students in 6th grade I miss you so much i love you R.I.P”
“Karen was a wonderful and caring teacher for the St. Mary’s County Public School System. She touched the lives of so many young people and we will remember her as a dedicated professional who gave of herself every day on behalf of her students. She will be missed. Respectfully, Dr. Michael J. Martirano Superintendent St. Mary’s County Public Schools”
“Charlie, Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless Karen.”
“I am so sorry for your loss. It was such fun being in her class years ago. My prayers are with your family.”
“Charlie…we have both been through a very tough year. When I saw you at the restaurant 2 weeks ago it was 3 weeks that Mike had passed. Now your beloved Karen is in heaven with Mike and they are our angels and in our hearts for always. I am so sorry to have missed Karen’s service…we had a family wedding on Saturday. I’m here for you along with the many friends you have. Karen and Mike are no longer in pain and our goal is to now grieve and move forward. Much love to you.”
“Please accept my sympathy for your loss. I for one know how hard it hits home and the long journey you have been through. May she rest in peace now and be in a better place with no more suffering. Call if you need anything. “
“Charlie ~ You & the Family are in my Prayers”
“Charlie, you know how Jo and I felt about Karen. So full of life,always in a good mood and never complained about anything, just full of love. We feel, as you know that way about you also. She is definitely in a better place and makes that even a happier and loving place. If you need to laugh, cry or just want to talk, call any hour of the day.Our prayers are with you,love Steve and Jo-Ann”
“Charlie The brightest star still shines long after we’re gone. Karen was a bright star in all of our lives, and certainly for you and your family. I had no idea she was ill. My sincerest condolances my friend to you and your family.”
“Charlie and family, I just found out about Karen’s passing in an alumni newsletter. I knew Karen at St Mary’s College of Md many years ago. She was one of a group of us who traveled to the Fla Keys and camped on Long Key during spring break one year. She was a good friend who was known for being a genuine person with a warm heart and a passion for life. Please accept my late condolences. “