Karen Gervase Obituary

Karen Melinda (Lutz) Gervase September 21, 1958 - October 9, 2012 Lebanon - Karen Melinda (Lutz) Gervase, 54, of Lebanon and formerly of New Britain, loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, passed away Tuesday (October 9, 2012) at Hartford Hospital. Born September 21, 1958 in Urbana, OH, she was a daughter of Herbert Lutz of Tremont City, OH and the late Mary (Zerkel) Lutz. Her love of music and artistic ability was a gift of her parents, that they shared with her sisters as well, and one that she passed on to her sons. She studied music abroad in Hungary and earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree from Wright State University, OH and her Master's degree from Central Connecticut State University in New Britain. Karen shared her love of music with countless students while teaching at Vance Village School in New Britain. She had also served as pianist and music director for St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lebanon. Karen will also be remembered for her sense of humor but most importantly for her devotion to her sons. In addition to her father, she is survived by three sons, Charles, Anthony "A.J." and Stephen Gervase, all at home; two sisters, Kathy Newman-Gall of Columbus, OH and Stephanie Lutz of Findlay, OH; her former spouse, Anthony and wife, Beth of Lebanon; and numerous extended family members, students, colleagues and friends. Visitation 4 to 7 P.M. Monday (October 15th) at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated 11 A.M. Tuesday directly at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 67 West Town St., Lebanon. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Summer Music Workshop, c/o HALS Academy, 30 Pendelton Road, New Britain 06053. For online condolences, please visit www.aurora mccarthyfuneralhome.com.

Published by Norwich Bulletin on Oct. 11, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
for Karen Gervase

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I still have the memory of our music, laughter, love and eternal friendship. I still hear your voice in song, your magical piano performances and remember all the goofy things we did in college that kept our spirits high. Love you always.

Marilyn Frueh

Friend

October 5, 2022

You are still ever present in my heart and in my precious memories Karoni. The heavenly choir is even more heavenly with your voice.

Marilyn Frueh

Friend

October 5, 2021

I miss you and think of you many times the year because of the special times we had as best buddies throughout college and into our adult lives. You continue to make me smile and laugh at cherished memories that will never fade.

Marilyn Frueh

Friend

October 5, 2020

I will always love you and miss your smile and laughter. My memories will always take me back to our college days and singing on the balcony of our apartment preparing for singing valentines.

Marilyn Frueh

Friend

October 5, 2019

Mrs.Gervase Was my music teacher. she was important to me. she started my love for music and she always put a smile on my face. mrs gervase will always be remeberd and never forgotten. i remeber when we had the susse musical to do at klingberg. she taught us songs for it... coached us... i was in her micro group. i loved her. ands still do. R.I.P

-old vance student-
(i was gonna visit her for my birthday...)

chelsea rodriguez

February 4, 2013

Just found out about your passing. You had a beautiful smile, sparkling eyes, kind heart, helpful hands and great patience as a teacher. You worked hard at Smalley many years ago. But the light of your life, your own children, will carry on your legacy. Sympathy to the entire family.

Bonnie Redd

October 24, 2012

Mike and I are praying with you all right now as you are celebrating and remembering Karen's life at the funeral. We love you all and are so sorry that you have had to say goodbye for now to Karen.

October 16, 2012

It only takes a spark to get a fire going...and soon all those around...will warm up in its glowing...that's how it is with God's Love...once you experience it...you spread His love...to everyone...you want to pass it on. Karen, you have passed on a lifetime of love, friendship and caring. Your flame will always be with me.

Marilyn Frueh

October 14, 2012

Karen will always be my once in a lifetime best friend. We were roommates throughout college as we studied music at Wright State University and our mothers were also childhood friends from 4-H. I have so many wonderful memories and the music and talent she shared will live on forever and her loving, caring spirit will always be in my heart She is why "birds suddenly appear" and I will miss you my dear, dear Karen.

Marilyn Frueh

October 14, 2012

Stephanie and family I cannot begin to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Please know you will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers many days to
come. I know the Lord has her now but your sorrow and loss will continue.

dee doub

October 14, 2012

My deepest sympathies to all who have been blessed to have Karen a part of their lives.
God shared her great talents with us but has now called her home to sing in Heaven's choir.

Thomas McNally III

October 14, 2012

I SAT ACROSS FROM KAREN IN CHOIR WHEN WE WERE IN HIGH SCHOOL. SHE HAD A SWEET SPIRIT. WHEN SHE SMILED SHE MADE ME SMILE. MY HEART IS SAD FOR YOUR LOSS. I PRAY GOD GIVES YOU THE STRENGTH AND COMFORT YOU NEED IN YOUR GRIEF OVER THE LOSS OF YOUR MOTHER, DAUGHTER AND SISTER.

REGINA [GALBRAITH ] WILSON

October 14, 2012

My sympathy to Karens family at this time. My grandson Nicolis mentioned that his music teacher that " he has known forever" had passed away. And how sad he was that she was gone because she was the best teacher. My thoughts are that she is now a big part of Heavens Choir now. May Gods blessings comfort you at this time.

Holly Alessi

October 14, 2012

My deepest sympathy to family and friends. I have fond memories of Karen in high school.

Linda Wiant Godfrey

October 13, 2012

I worked with Karen for a short time and will always remember her beautiful smile. My thoughts and prayers to her sons, family, and friends.

Robyn Marsh

October 13, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in this difficult time. Karen was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.

Jeff and Mary Mazza

October 12, 2012

I remember giggling on a daily basis with Karen. I bet she's still giggling! My deepest sympathies go out to the family.

Tracy Johnson

October 12, 2012

I pray you find comfort for your loss and peace in your heart through the prayers and kind thoughts surrounding you at this time. May you feel God's arms of comfort around you, and His blessings on your family.

Kim Moore Kelsey

October 12, 2012

I remember fun times with Karen in orchestra at Northwestern. My prayers for all her friends and family. She was a wonderful lady who obviously made a difference in so many lives.

Donna (Robinson) Youtz

October 11, 2012

Karen, You are still a part of everyone you have touched while you were here. Good memories of you in high school. Your smile, personality, and sincere heart will always be remembered. David Anderson

October 11, 2012

Our deepest sympathy in your time of grief . God is holding you up. We love you. Denny and Laurrie Iceman

October 11, 2012

Karen taught at Parkville many years ago. I remember her beautiful smile which was always on her face. The students and staff loved her. A very, very sad loss. She is now in a perfect place, God bless.

Audrey Yellen Quinlan

October 11, 2012

Our deepest sympathy to all of you.

Frank & Linda Kieffer

October 11, 2012

My deepest sympathy to Kathy and family at this sad time.

Maureen Erney

October 11, 2012

I am so sad to have read of Karen's death. My heart goes out to her sons, all of whom I had as students at Vance Village School. Karen, you truly had three loves--your children, the children at Vance and music. May you be at rest, knowing you gave all that you were able to your family, the children at Vance and finally, to the fight for life. Diane Clark, Vance (Retired)

Diane Clark

October 11, 2012

Norma LaVoie

October 11, 2012

I am still in shock! She was such a talented, funny and caring person. She will be missed. She loved her boys, her students and her music. RIP Karen. Such great memories from PCS...

October 11, 2012

I am so sorry to hear of Karen's passing. I have such good memories of her from High School. Condolences to all her family and friends at this difficult time. Karen will be sorely missed.

Pam Koppe

October 11, 2012

We are so very sorry to all of you for your loss. I will always remember Karen with a smile on her face and her kindness. She was a second Mom to my son Matthew and she and her sons taught him so much about the love of music which he carries with him today. Boys know that she will be looking down on you so very happy with you pursuing your musical abilties. God Bless all of you.. You are in our prayers and thoughts... The Michalek Family.

October 11, 2012

I am so sorry to all of you... Karen was a second Mom to my son and she shared with her sons the love of music onto my son Matthew. I will always think of her smile and kindness. Boys you are all very talented and she is watching down over you and will continue to be proud of your music abilities and where they take you. You all will go very far in the world... I just know it... With Love,
Patty Michalek, Matthew Michalek and Marissa Michalek

October 11, 2012

So sorry to hear of this. I remember her fondly from high school. Prayers for peace and comfort for her family and friends.

Emly Rausch Dye

October 11, 2012

To the Gervase and Lutz family I am very sorry for your loss. I was Ms. Gervase's student teacher. I had a great experience with her. She was always very nice and encouraging. I will continue to pray for the family at this difficult time.

Shelby Ricks

October 11, 2012

No words can express what all of us are feeling for the loss of Karen, however, we know that she has joined a greater choir. You have my heartfelt sympathy and prayers. As I look out with the leaves rustling or when I am outside and able to hear the wind, I always think of those that have joined the angel choir and the music of nature.

Kay Weller

October 11, 2012

Please accept my deepest sympathy. I have worked with Karen over the past 11 years. We will miss her but her love of music will carry on in all the students she has touched.

Jacqui Maddy

October 11, 2012

my second dad, BFF, Kathy and so sweet Steph...my heart is truly breaking for you and words cannot express my sympathies. Please know that you are loved very much and are in my prayers. We know that Karen is with your mom and our Lord!

Robin Keller-Lydic

October 11, 2012

Herb, Kathy, Stephanie and boys, I am so sorry for your loss. I know your faith and wonderful memories of an amazing woman will get you through this difficult time. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers.

Beth (Deam) Davenport

October 11, 2012

Thought and prayers for your family from mine.

Terry Seymour-Pope

October 11, 2012

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