Karen Ileen Schmucker

Karen Ileen Schmucker

October 22, 1936 ~ March 19, 2020

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Karen Ileen Schmucker of Vero Beach, Florida passed away on Thursday March 19th, 2020, 83 years young, in her home with family by her side. She is survived by her three sons, one daughter, four grandchildren, and two greatgrandchildren.

She was born on October 22nd, 1936 in Zion, Illinois to her loving parents Stephen and Ruth Robinson. She had one brother, Jack Robinson, and two sisters; Yolanda Schasane, and Loyola Schasane. Karen was the last to be reunited with her parents, siblings, and their respective spouses in Heaven.

The family moved from Illinois to Vero Beach in 1953, where Karen graduated high school in 1954. After marrying her first love, Edwin Schmucker, he moved the family to several places in the North East including Connecticut and New York. She became a Manicurist and continued her craft when the family returned to Vero Beach in the early 1970’s. During that time she joined the Welcome Wagon, and made many life-long friends. As a manicurist, Karen’s clients became so fond of her that they followed her as she moved from one Beauty Shop to another. After her divorce, Karen found a way to support and raise three of her younger children on a manicurist’s salary. Only by the grace of God and her determination was she able to pay the mortgage, and other expenses in order to provide for the family.

Known for her love of dogs, she bred Doberman Pinschers and eventually devoted her home to a dog-sitting practice. All of the dogs and their owners felt as if they were a part of her family.

Karen’s gentle, forgiving, and kind spirit was a continuation of her mother’s angelic nature; she may have also inherited some of her baking skills as Karen was famous for her beloved cranberry bars and other family traditional cookies baked during the holidays.

Most of all Karen could find the humor in almost anything. She was a joy to be around and will be missed by everyone who knew her.


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Condolence

Darren Schmucker - Mother

March 27, 2020, 10:52 am

Mom you were a wonderful mom you where always there for us kids. We have a lot of good memories with you mom they will always be with us in our hearts. I will miss that big smile mom. Love you mom. Your Son, Darren.

Ginger Schmucker - Daughter-in-law

March 27, 2020, 3:17 pm

Karen you were a terrific mother-in-law. I will miss your positive words and your wonderful smile. I love you.

Lori Schmucker - Daughter

March 27, 2020, 5:35 pm

I miss you so much already mom. You were an awesome mom and my best friend! The person that I could tell anything and everything to, without being judged. I hope one day that I can live up to your standards. I will treasure the many memories we made traveling, laughing and just hanging out.
Losing a parent can feel like kryptonite; remembering them in all of their glory can make your heart fly

Adrienne Polizzi - Friend

March 27, 2020, 10:58 pm

I am so saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. She was such a lovely lady. Reminded me so much of my own mom. So kind and loving, and gave the best hugs! We had an instant connection the first time we met. I know that sweet lady is in heaven, and is no longer in any pain. I hope that that knowledge helps you to find a bit of peace during this sad time. Many hugs, and prayers for peace being sent to you all. <3

Alicia Holland Baran - Friend

March 28, 2020, 11:56 am

Karen will be missed by so many. Through the years, we shared laughter, dog stories, hugs, tears, and tales of adventures near and far. I’ll always remember Karen’s smile, her sweet voice, kind spirit, and her tasty baked goods! Wishing peace to her loved ones.

Donald Andreasen - Frie

March 28, 2020, 4:56 pm

I lived in Vero Beach from 2001 to 2006, and met Karen through Cynthia as they were working together at the salon. I liked her right away and we became good friends. Karen got me a lot of handi-man jobs through her network of friends and clients. Some off her clients became good clients of mine, and I was so grateful to Karen. After Cynthia and I moved back to NH, I stayed at Karen’s house a couple times to take a break from the winter. She welcomed our Dixie dog as an additional house guest, and she would giggle like crazy at me chasing Dixie around the house. “Go, little dog, Go! “ she would say. Karen liked the Olive Garden, and I would take her there and we would pretend to fight over the olives in the salad. . I used to tease her that she needed a man around the house, which she adamantly denied! I was grateful to be able to pay back her kindness and hospitality of giving me a place to stay and get out of the cold by doing some maintenance and painting around her house. She could take anything I could dish out, when I would growl, “What the hell is all over this wall?” (Hairspray in the bathroom) she would just laugh. We had a lot of laughs together. She was a kind person who loved to laugh. Love you Karen. You were one of a kind!

Cynthia Marple - Friend

March 28, 2020, 5:17 pm

I met Karen at Beach Hair Designs in 2001. She interviewed and hired me, and I thought she was the owner. Karen was hard working but never seemed to be in a hurry. I came to understand that she truly rested in the Lord, and her faith and calm efficiency was inspiring. She could get more done than someone half her age and never complain about it. She never had an unkind word to say about anyone. She loved people, and they gravitated to her. Karen taught me a lot about patience and acceptance. Although 24 years older, she was a girlfriend as much as a co-worker. I enjoyed her hospitality at many dinners in her home and she at mine. I aspire to follow her young at heart ways. She seemed ageless to me. We had not seen each other much in recent years, but I will always remember her with love. My condolences to the family and Big hugs, Lori. This is very tough, but we sure know where she is

Marnie Sullivan - Friend

March 29, 2020, 2:21 pm

Karen started out as my dog Dixie’s sitter in 2006. She loved my Dixie and Dixie loved her back. Through the years I considered Karen a friend, not just a dog sitter. She will be sorely missed. As it says in the obituary, we felt as if we were part of her family and she truly was a joy to be around. Such a lovely lady!

Dave Werner - Friend

March 29, 2020, 2:33 pm

Karen you will be missed. So happy to have known you, great lady and dog sitter for our Dog Max

Stevie Phillips - Friend

March 30, 2020, 5:45 am

It is with deep sadness that I write this. Karen was my best friend for 45 plus years. I was tremendously blessed to have her in my life. She was a beautiful, loving, caring, gentle person. She was always there with a prayer, a kind word and the ability to find humor in almost everything. I will miss our long talks, fun adventures and always the laughter. You fought hard, my friend, I know you’re resting in the arms of God. Until we meet again, I love you. Sending love and prayers to her beautiful family.

Andrea Dion - Daughter- in-law (Daughter)

March 30, 2020, 3:19 pm

Mom I used to tell you that you were an angel on earth, perfect in every way. I truly believe that. I want you to know how much I adored you and loved you with all my heart. I will miss laughing with you and how you had a way of making people smile. the only thing that gets me through this is that I know you are dancing with Jesus in Heaven. Until I see you again big hugs and kisses!!! I love you Mom!!!

Liam Van Hee-Dion - Grandson

March 30, 2020, 4:08 pm

Grandma you were so kind to me and always made me laugh with your humor. I loved the trips that we went on as a family. I will always miss you and I love you so much!!

Rose Spytek - Friend

March 30, 2020, 5:11 pm

Karen was a part of our original “card club”. Well, it started out as a card club, but the ladies talked more than played cards, so it evolved to each person hosting a dinner once a month (with the host making the main course and guests bringing a side dish). Then that was too much work, so we eventually had each of us make reservations at a restaurant monthly! We had so many laughs. I will never forget Karen’s wonderful sense of humor and love of life. Her smile was contagious. She loved people with all of her heart, and especially her family. She will be missed by so many, but I know that she is in a better place. Rest in peace, my dear friend.

Mark Shaner - Friend

March 30, 2020, 6:28 pm

I remember Karen when I lived and served in Vero Beach at First Church of God from 1991-1999 as the Youth Pastor. What an amazing lady, I remember how often she served on behalf of the young people in Indian River County. The way she would invest in all those she met. Thank Karen for your faithfulness and the way you served so many…

Florinda Mazzarella - Niece

April 1, 2020, 3:47 pm

Aunt Karen was a beautiful person on the inside and outside with a kind and supporting word for everyone. I loved watching Aunt Karen with my mom and my Aunt Yolando (three sisters) because all they did is laugh and tease each other. All three of them loved their family and family get-togethers. I remember how much she loved her family and her animals. Aunt Karen loved her Lord and Savior and when I visited with her in the last weeks of being here on earth she said she was ready to go to heaven. She will surely be missed by the many people whose lives she touched. I love you Aunt Karen.

Cathy Mongole - Niece

April 3, 2020, 12:29 am

I miss you but know your up in heaven laughing with the family. I can’t say say how much I appreciated the time I stayed with your family . I always have great memories. And of the time you cooked for my daughter and her family, the grandchildren still talk about your luscious potatoes and green beans. Your open heart and kindness for humans and dogs. I was so privileged to help you at the end. Love and great memories. Love , Cathy

Debra Dinan - Co -worker & friend

April 3, 2020, 10:34 pm

I couldn’t believe it when I saw the obituary in the paper. She seemed ageless! I will never forget,she is who I went to when I got the news,over the phone, that I had cancer! I cried and she held me….didn’t matter that she had a client. She was there for everyone! Never said a bad word about anyone. So sorry for the family’s loss! Love, Deb

BOB & Tina Reese - Friend

April 6, 2020, 2:36 pm

Karen worked for us at Beach Hair Design for many years, She was wonderful person and a dear friend we love he and will miss her,looking forward to seeing her in heaven.

Nancy Cordeiro - Family friend

April 10, 2020, 9:03 pm

I have known Karen and family since the 70’s, when we lived in New York. Then we moved to Vero Beach, where she graciously opened her home to our entire family. The memories of the player piano, the wonderful aromas that constantly poured out of the kitchen, and of course, Sugar (whom i deathly afraid of) will always remain. I find peace in knowing we will meet again

Carole Cordeiro - Family friend

April 10, 2020, 9:49 pm

Karen was the most loving and hospitable person I have ever known. She was dearly loved by our family. “Fond Memories”

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