Karen Lee Lorenz

Karen Lee Lorenz, age 68, died Sunday, September 8, 2013 at Whetstone Gardens after a valiant fight with cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Blanche Lorenz, brother Ralph, sister, Ruth Renico, and brother-in-law Leonard Renico.. She is survived by a niece, Lynn Comer and a nephew, Donald Renico; a great-niece, five great-nephews and one great-great nephew. Special friends include Jackie Bates, Cynthia Anderson, Liz Burrell, Patty Stegall and foster daughter Lori Thompson. Also, beloved pets Becky, Lucy and Jezi. Karen graduated from Pleasant View High School and held degrees in Drama, English and Education from OSU and Mt. St. Joseph. She taught at Pleasant View, Briggs, Central, East and Westland High Schools. She directed over 90 plays for high schools and directed the Press Club of Ohio shows for five years. She performed in plays at OSU, Ohio Valley Summer Theatre, and various community theatres. In addition, she toured with the USO to the Northeast Command. She has maintained friendships with many of the people she taught with. She helped many students during her teaching career by encouraging them to remain in school, offering advice, and scholarships. Her hobbies included reading, especially biographies and mysteries, traveling on freighters, and gardening. She loved playing cards, especially euchre; attending the OSU women's basketball games at the "Schott", and rescuing animals. She was a member and Secretary of Rebounders; NEA/CEA Retired teachers, and ORTA. She was a lifetime resident of the west side where she was coordinator of Westgate Blockwatch for over 17 years and a volunteer reader for Voicecorps She spent many summers at Put-in-Bay with her dear friend, Phyllis Cooper. Visiting hours will be held at Schoedinger Hilltop Chapel, 3030 West Broad Street from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, September 11, 2013, with the funeral service 1 p.m. Thursday. Interment to follow at Greenlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or the Capitol Area Humane Society. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories or extend condolences.