Karen Willinger

Karen R. Willinger, 64, of Mt. Holly Springs, Pennsylvania, passed away at her home on Easter Sunday morning, April 20, 2025.

Born on April 9, 1961, in North Canton, Ohio, Karen was the daughter of the late Herbert and Elizabeth Ryan. She is survived by her husband of 37 years, David Willinger, and her sister, Kathryn Miller of Norton, Ohio her nephew Ben and her brother-in-law Gary Miller. Additionally, she is survived by numerous cousins and an aunt of the Klein family as well as her half-brother Kevin Tubbs.

Karen graduated from Hoover High School in North Canton, Ohio and went on to earn a Business degree from the University of Akron. Her professional journey began at Star Bronze, which led her to Maryland, where she met David on a blind date. They married a year later and embarked on a life of travel and service together.

During their time abroad with the U.S. Navy, Karen lived in Augsburg, Germany, where she worked as a secretary in the maintenance department at the Gablingen Intelligence facility. She embraced the culture, participating in many events through the Navy and local clubs such as the Marineverein (Maritime Club), Kiwanis International and functions hosted by local officials in which the Navy contingent was invited. Karen also enjoyed attending the Oktoberfest in Munich as well as the local fest throughout the area. She enjoyed cross country skiing in the Bavarian Alps and traveling across Europe.

Later her husband was stationed in Rota, Spain, which afforded them the chance to continue to explore their host country, traveling throughout southern and eastern Spain and even traveling across the Mediterranean to visit Morocco on several occasions.

Upon returning to the United States, Karen worked in transcription at Carlisle Hospital before transitioning to the Sleep Lab. After earning her certification as a Polysomnographic Technician, she dedicated 19 years to the field before retiring at the conclusion of the pandemic.

Karen was deeply involved in her faith community at Hilltop Community Church in Mt. Holly Springs, serving as financial secretary, Sunday school leader, Higher Grounds café coordinator, and event hostess. She also participated in mission trips to support Hurricane Katrina relief and Red Bird Mission in Kentucky.

In recent years Karen was active with the Cumberland Valley Corvette Club. She and David would zip around in their 2001 Corvette convertible. On occasion Karen was known to turn off the radio and tell her husband that she wanted to hear the roar of the engine. She enjoyed the comradery within the club and taking cruises to different locations, even if was just an ice cream run.

Karen also cherished beach trips and gatherings with her girlfriends of the breakfast club.

Karen was known for her warm and generous spirit as well as her welcoming smile. She will be missed by all who knew her.

In keeping with her generous spirit, Karen donated her body to Science Cares for scientific research.

A celebration of life will be held at Hilltop Community Church in Mt. Holly Springs in June on a date to be determined.