Karen A. Kerin

SOUTH ROYALTON - Karen Ann Kerin, 69, formerly of 14 St. Paul St., Montpelier, passed away Jan. 25, 2014, in her home in South Royalton, with her wife, Mary Aschenberg, at her side.

Born Charles P. Kerin Jr., Feb. 3, 1944, in Barre, Vt., the oldest child of Charles P. Kerin Sr. and Ellen (Douglass) Kerin.

Charles grew up as an Army brat and lived in Munich, Germany, as well as Virginia and Massachusetts, graduating high school at 16 years old from Hingham High School. Married to Regina Stone in June 1963, they had six children and divorced in 1989. Charles changed his name to Karen Ann Kerin and married Mary Aschenberg in November 1996.

Karen was a civil engineer and worked for Chicago Bridge & Iron for many years while living in New Castle, Del. She returned home to Vermont in 1989 and got her law degree from Vermont Law School. She went on to get several postdoctorate degrees from other institutions.

Survivors include her wife, Mary, and stepdaughter, Faith Lopez, and sons Charles P. Kerin, of Delaware, Ill., Shawn P. Kerin, of Ohio, Ian P. Kerin, in Australia, Eric P. Kerin, of Vermont, and daughter, Shelia K. Wooten, of Ohio. She leaves 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She leaves her brothers Douglass Michael Kerin, of Northfield, and Ronald L. Kerin, of Waterbury Center; and her sister, Susan K. Houle, of Montpelier. She leaves many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents and brother Andrew S. Kerin and her son Mark A. Kerin.

The family would like to thank Bayada Hospice for all their special care. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Bayada Hospice, P.O. Box 1590, 316 Main St., Norwich, VT 05055, or go to www.bayada.com.

In respect of her wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.