Karen A Winchester-Coleman

Karen A. Winchester-Coleman, 74, of Ottawa passed away Sunday, March 26, 2017 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday April 1, 2017 at Ottawa Funeral Home. The Funeral Ceremony will be held at noon at Ottawa Funeral Home with Rev. Duane Kaufman officiating. Burial will follow at Ottawa Avenue Cemetery with military honors.

Karen was born October 9, 1942 in Staten Island, New York. Her mother and stepfather were June (Jackson) and Bill Dodd. She served in the United States Navy and was stationed in Rhode Island. She married Carl Winchester Sr. on November 3, 1962 in Ottawa. Together they raised three children Carl Jr., Jeune, and Matt. Carl Sr. passed away August 4, 2008. She married Duane Coleman January 10, 2015. Karen worked a variety of jobs until her retirement from Libbey-Owens-Ford. She was a member of the American Legion, gave several years of dedicated service to the Democratic Party of LaSalle County and Bridges Senior Center, and was an advocate for the Alliance for American Manufacturing. Those that knew Karen well realized she strongly believed in making a positive difference and backed it up through her actions. Karen enjoyed playing and officiating sports, fishing, camping, eating out, drinking coffee, and going to the “boat” with her friends. She took a number of trips with her family, whom she loved deeply. She especially enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sporting activities and took great pride in their accomplishments.

She is survived by her husband Duane; three children, Carl Winchester Jr., Jeune Winchester, and Matt (Kristy) Winchester; three grandchildren, Alyssa Winchester, Lauren Liang, and Luke Winchester; one brother, Francis "Buddy" Heath; and her special furry friends, Daisy and Scooby.

She is preceded in death by her parents June and Bill Dodd; her husband Carl Winchester Sr.; two siblings, Thomas Heath and Janet Bennett; and her furry friends, Maggie and Gizmo.

Pallbearers will be grandchildren Lauren Liang, Alyssa and Luke Winchester; nephews Craig Eiben and Paul Winchester, and son Matt Winchester.