Karen Frances Hodgkinson, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away at her residence on May 18, 2025. She was 86 years old. Born February 7, 1939 in Des Moines, Iowa to Edward and Hallie Lynch, Karen lived a life enriched by dedication, love, and service to her family and community.
Karen graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Drake University where she was a member of Chi Omega. It was at Drake where Karen met the love of her life, Jim Hodgkinson, and then married June 24, 1961. Karen worked for 3 years as a Elementary School Teacher until their first child, Michael was born, She then became a full time mom and homemaker raising four children.
Karen was very active in her community, raising four children, and volunteering much of her time in service to others. She loved her children dearly and was always present in their lives being the Scout Leader for their troops, home room mom, PTA president, band chaperone, constant cheerleader at each of her children's sporting events and so much more. While very busy raising four children, Karen was also an avid bowler, bowling in leagues for over 50 years. She only "retired" from bowling after turning 80. Karen also gave back to her community in many ways. She was a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels for over 30 years, a member of Beta Sigma Phi, a Eucharistic Minister, a Minister to the Sick and a money counter for her church. She was a true friend to her neighbors, always lending a helping hand. Karen also loved hosting parties for her family and friends. She enjoyed camping and traveling with her husband JIm.
Along with her husband JIm, Karen was a devoted Catholic and a member of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church serving as a Eucharistic Minister, a Minister to the sick and a money counter. She later became a member of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church. Karen's faith was an integral part of her life, providing her strength and comfort throughout her life.
Karen is preceded in death by her husband Jim Hodgkinson (married 63 years) and parents Edward and Hallie Lynch.
She is survived by her loving children, Michael Hodgkinson of Yankeetown, FL, Elaine Alexander of Bradenton, FL, Linda Mason (Ed) of Lakeland, FL, and Steven Hodgkinson (Christin) of Bradenton, FL. She is also survived by her sister in law Judy Simpson of Birmingham and many nieces and nephews. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren Benjamin (Heather), Savannah (Spencer), Sydney (Keegan), Sarah, Spencer, Thomas, Mason, Caroline and Connor and her great grandchild, Rory.
A Funeral Mass will be held to honor Karen's memory at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of her remarkable life.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the James and Karen Hodgkinson Family Fund through the Manatee Community Foundation, 2820 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL, 34212
