Karen Sue Pauwels

December 14, 1945 ~ May 18, 2020 (age 74)

Karen Sue Pauwels, 74, of South Bend, Indiana passed away on Monday May 18, 2020 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend.

Karen was born on December 14, 1945 in Mishawaka, to Wilber and Louetta (Werntz) Lovitt, and was a lifelong resident of this area, attending Washington High School.  Karen was also a former member of West Side Church of Christ.  She will be remembered for her love of flowers and gardening, as well as her ability to make wonderful birthday cakes for her kids when they were little.  Later in life Karen developed a love of coloring, spending hours in her books to pass the time.

Karen is survived by her children, daughter, Leslie Pauwels, and son, Charles Pauwels Jr both of South Bend, Indiana; grandchildren, Rebecca Barnett, Jacob Pauwels, Nathaniel Miller, and Hayden Miller.  Also surviving are siblings; brother, Jack (Lois) Lovitt, sister, Andrea Lovitt, and brothers, Roger Lovitt, Chris Lovitt, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. 

Karen was preceded in death by her daughter Sheila Barnett and former husband Charles Pauwels Sr. who took great care of her for many years.

Per the family’s wishes, no public services will be held.  The family may gather privately at a later date to celebrate Karen’s life.  Memorial contributions may be made in Karen’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association of Northern Indiana- P.O. Box 1835, South Bend, IN 46634.  Palmer Funeral Home – River Park is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online expressions of sympathy may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

10/28/2021 EJS