Karen Marie Parker

Karen M. (Payne) Parker, age 59, of Maumee, passed away Thursday, June 9, 2011, at the home of her daughter and daughter-in-law after her battle with brain cancer. She was born May 27, 1952 in Sandusky, Ohio and was raised in Luna Pier, Michigan by Guy and Thelma (Wilcox) Warner. After graduating from Mason High School, Class of 1970, Karen attended Owens Community College, where she received her Nursing Degree. She was employed with The University of Michigan Hospital for more than 25 years as a Registered Nurse on the rehab unit. Karen was a kind and gentle woman who devoted herself to her daughter and the care of others. She appreciated the simple things in life like early morning sunrises, walking with her Grand-dog, and planting flowers in the spring. Karen was known for her love of animals, being outdoors, and maintaining plants all year round in her home. She found beauty in everything and treasured each moment in time. Karen was also a strong, independent soul who stood for what she believed in and valued the differences among us. She was able to find humor in life experiences and strength in its challenges. During her lifetime, she was able to instill these qualities in those around her.

In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by several siblings. She is survived by her loving daughter, Stacey (Debbie Sentner) Parker; sisters, Susan (Mike) Honn of Monroe, MI, Nancy Amerson of Oregon, OH and Virginia Gutowsky of Champaign, IL and brother, Guy "Bub" (Heidi) Warner of Clearwater, FL. Karen also leaves many dear and special friends to cherish her memory.

The family will receive guests Wednesday from 5-7:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd. (419-382-1900) with a Memorial Service beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Those wishing to make Memorial Contributions are asked to consider The Brain Tumor Fund, C/O The Department of Neurology, 1914 Taubman Center, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48109 (www.med.umich.edu/neurology), Hospice of Northwest Ohio or the Toledo Humane Society.

Karen's Family would like to thank the staff of The Cancer Center of The University of Michigan Hospital and Hospice of NW Ohio for the loving care and support they provided for Karen during her journey.

To leave a special message for Karen's Family, please visit www.NewcomerToledo.com.