Karen Eileen Neidhart

Karen Eileen Neidhart died peacefully at MidState Medical Center on November 12, 2023. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in September of 2019. Dr. Gerald Fumo was her oncologist and Dr. Xun Zhou performed surgery in January 2020. Both doctors were excellent and added significant quality time to her survival. We also want to sincerely thank the countless medical professionals who took outstanding care of her. These individuals exemplify the positive and worthwhile altruistic characteristics that often accompany the title of caregiver.

Karen was born on July 23, 1949 in southeastern Ohio. She is the daughter of James Emerson Buck and Hazel Irene Bailey. Tragedy struck early in her life when she lost her mother to cancer the day before her sixth birthday. As a young girl, she was told that her mother climbed a ladder in the sky to heaven. Her despair was profound and produced a void that followed her throughout her life.

After her mother's death, Karen was raised by her great uncle, Leslie Alonzo Buck and her great aunt, Flora Edith Buck. Her habitat was very rural complete with farm animals and lots of chickens. Her great uncle was a minister who physically built two churches. Karen definitely understood the difference between right and wrong and possessed an extremely kind and loving spirit. Some say it was infectious and would light up a room.

Karen was the middle child of three sisters. Her older sister, Marian Irene Hogsett, lives in Trimble, Ohio and her younger sister, Sharon Marlene Snyder passed away several decades ago. She was very close to her siblings as adversity sometimes creates strong bonds. Karen fondly remembered being a special singer for her church with them. I am sure they were very adorable. She went to hairdressing school and first earned her license in Ohio. She loved cosmetology and was very talented. Most of her patrons adored her and many said she not only made them look better but they also felt better. At one point she was very proud to have her name advertised on the radio as the person to see to have your hair done. After moving to Connecticut, she attended school again and got her state license. She did expert hairdressing for several years before finally entering manufacturing as a machinist. She worked at Southwick and Meister primarily in the finishing department for 36 years. Ken Neidhart, her husband, considers himself extremely lucky and grateful to have found his soul mate. Unfortunately, they didn't have children together but they became exceptionally close as they focused most of their attention on each other. Talking was sometimes unnecessary because their spouse knew exactly what they were thinking. Sharing and enjoying the simple pleasures of life together became their mantra. As Vince Gill eloquently sang, "if you want to see what true love should be, just look at us."

Most of Karen's family relatives live in distant states, but that did not separate strong family ties. Staunch, powerful bonds of love remained resolute with her sister Marian in Ohio. She missed the warmth and affection shared with her departed sister Sharon. Nieces and nephews in Ohio include; Tammy North, Jay North, Jamie Hogsett and Tracy Hogsett.

Although they have passed, John and Mary Lou Neidhart as parents in law genuinely welcomed her into a loving family with kindness and sincerity. The inclusive acceptance expanded to include her sister in law, Leslie Wollnik of Kansas and her daughters Kim Verhoeven of Missouri and Julie Cunnyngham of South Carolina. The family may be somewhat small and separated by miles but remained resilient and steadfastly bonded in unity by love.

We would be amiss if Karen's extraordinary strength of character was not mentioned. All of us have trials and tribulations that we must personally endure, but Karen was dealt more than her fair amount. She stubbornly sustained despite adversity and persisted in keeping a hopeful outlook by looking for the best in a situation. Karen was not selfish or possessed by material greed for the accumulation of things. Rather, she loved to share and selflessly couldn't do enough to help others. She was a rare individual and a treasure to those who really knew her. Karen was truly a blessing in disguise.

We are planning a special celebration of life and memorial for Karen in the Spring. There will be music and food for friends and family. Spring celebrates rebirth and we welcome all who want to honor a life happily lived.