Karen Key, "Key-Key", age 79 passed away on Monday, September 17, 2012. A long-time resident of Portage, Karen was born in Gary, Indiana on September 7, 1933, the youngest of three daughters of the late Herman L. and Helen M. Key. She was preceded in death by her sister, Portage's first First Lady Marilyn Key Olson. She is survived by her sister Joan Key Pratt of Indianapolis, nieces, Linda (John) Michael of Portage, Leslie (Mark) Mills of Indianapolis, nephews, A. Randall (Vicki) Olson of Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada, and Douglas W. (Pat) Olson, former Mayor of Portage. Karen also leaves behind her beloved five great-nephews, four great-nieces, and several loving cousins and second cousins.
Karen made friends and touched lives wherever she went. She was a former cafeteria employee of Gary's Mercy Hospital and St. Mary's Medical Center in Hobart, and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Portage. In recent years, Karen was a resident of Golden Living Center, Foutainview Place in Portage where she assisted and befriended staff and other residents whenever she could.
Karen liked to travel and was an animal lover. She enjoyed watching old movies, reading about Britain's Royal Family, decorating for the holidays and Christmas shopping for others. She was an innocent soul, pure and gentle, and will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Dear to us in childhood and forever. In lieu of flowers, send donations to an animal shelter of the Donor's selection. Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 19, 2012, 6:00pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage with Rev. Tim Reyna officiating. Visitation will also be on Wednesday from 4:00-6:00pm at the Funeral Home. Please call 219-762-3013 or online at reesfuneralhomes.com.