Karen E. Rothgery (nee Morrison), 84, of Elyria passed away at University Hospital Elyria Medical Center Thursday, April 4, 2019. She was born July 9, 1934 in Elyria where she was a lifelong resident. After attending Elyria High, she graduated from St. Joseph Academy in Michigan and earned a Bachelor's degree from Cleveland State University. Karen was a social worker for the City of Elyria Health Department. Karen was a founding member and president of the Lorain County AIDS task force, volunteer at Sacred Heart Church, Meals on Wheels, and Clothe- a- Child. Karen was acting Director of St. Joseph's House in Washington D.C. for a year, member of Sacred Heart Church and St. Mary's Church. Karen was always willing to help those in need as a social worker, a job she truly enjoyed. She loved to travel where she achieved her goal of visiting every continent, visiting 43 countries. Survivors include her daughters Ann Marie (Dave) Stambol, Gina Massey; sons the Honorable Judge Christopher Rothgery (Linda), Eric (Kim) Rothgery. Additional survivors include twelve grandchildren; Megan, Mimi (Corey), Tory, Grace, Lucy, Marissa, Sarah, Michaela, Maddy, Ally, Mari, Kimberly. Her cat Tabby kept her company at Wesleyan Village.. She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth; parents Robert F. and Francis Morrison (nee Griesser); son Michael. Family will receive friends 4-7 PM Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at St. Rt. 57), Elyria 440-322-4626. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Thursday, April 11, 2019 at St. Mary Church 320 Middle Avenue Elyria, OH. 44035 (PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH). Rev. Fr. Charles Diedrick will be the Celebrant. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, family suggests those who wish may make donations to Joseph's House 1730 Lanier Pl. NW Washington, D.C. 20009

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