Karen S. Ewing went home to the Lord on January 28, 2019. She was born to the late Anton and Esther Senty and raised in the sleepy (no longer) town of Naperville, IL. She cultivated life-long friendships with a group of girls that spanned 80 years. Following graduation from Naperville HS and Grinnell College in Iowa, she returned home to marry the “boy across the street”, the late Richard “Dick” Ewing in 1959. Together they embraced his Naval career.
As a Navy wife, she supported him in every way. While he was deployed, she managed to sell a home, pack and move the family more than 1000 miles and secure a new home for the family. When Dad was picked up pier side, a new adventure was ready and waiting for him. Following his Naval retirement, Mom and Dad began a new chapter by opening an equipment rental store (General Rental Center) at Hilltop. They worked side by side for more than 20 years until they sold the business. Mom was a friend to all. Her loving good nature, kind words and quick smile were treasured by many. Hobbies included entertaining friends, feeding the birds and squirrels, handwritten correspondence (with carefully selected cards and stationary), bowling, volunteering, playing bridge and travel.
She was always very active at Kings Grant Presbyterian Church where she served in all capacities. Karen’s greatest love was her family. Besides spending many years as a devoted wife, she was the loving mother to Debbie Conboy (Mark), and Rick Ewing (Samantha). Always quick to volunteer for PTA functions, field trips, bake sales, and sports events, she nurtured and supported each and every aspect of their lives. Once grandchildren, Billy and Heather Conboy and Max and Caroline Ewing came along, she became a doting grandmother- bragging about and photographing all of their milestones. If able, she would have adored the love of her great-grandson, Cameron, this past year. She is also survived by her brother, Terry Senty of San Diego, CA and a special cousin, Kay MacNeil of Frankfort, IL.
The last 10 years of her life were spent at Our Lady of Perpetual Help where her loving and kind spirit was repaid tenfold by the entire staff. She was treated with dignity and genuine kindness and love until the very end of her life and for that the family is forever grateful.
Rest in Peace devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. The measure of one’s character is exemplified by the life one leads. You lived a life full of love, laughter and kindness.
Visitation and reception will be from 3 to 4:15pm on Friday, February 8th with a Celebration of Life to follow at 4:30pm at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, 4889 Princess Anne Rd, VA Beach, VA. Come joyfully dressed to celebrate her wonderful life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Our Lady of Perpetual Help-Employee Fund, mailed to 2505 Land of Promise Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322.
