Karen Anne Bencin

KAREN ANNE BENCIN (nee Schikowski) age 73, was born on March 25th, 1950. She passed peacefully after a long battle with cancer on June 25th, 2023 with her family by her side.  Beloved wife for 54 years of Edward S. (retired Fire Chief of Highland Heights); loving mother of Amanda Murphy (husband Bill) and Stephanie Bencin (husband Nate Knaebel); devoted grandmother of Mia and Sean Murphy and Juniper Knaebel; cherished daughter of the late Leonard and Jeanne (nee Caine) Schikowski; dearest sister of Lynn Krebs (wife Lisa Salmons) and Jack Schikowski (wife Dorothy) and sister-in-law of Kathleen Bencin (husband Michael Wanzer); cousin to Michelle Oblak (Geza Varhegyi), Hope Glescic (husband Mike) and Diane Durham (husband Jay); aunt, cousin, and loving friend to many others.

Karen started her career with Mayfield City Schools as the payroll coordinator in the treasurer’s office. She also worked many years as the Mayfield Center School secretary and payroll coordinator at Richmond Heights City Schools.  Karen worked her way up to assistant Treasurer at Beachwood City Schools before retiring to start new adventures. She enjoyed spending time with her friends whether it was a morning walk or going out for a meal. Karen loved traveling down to their second home in Naples (Florida).  She was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns and Indians – rarely missing a Browns game.  Most of all she cherished her time with her daughters and watching her grandchildren grow up.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Karen to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Cremation entrusted to DeJohn Crematory. Relatives and friends are requested to meet for the Mass of Christian Burial Friday, June 30, 2023 at 10 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 6850 Mayfield Road, Gates Mills, Ohio. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Karen at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) THURSDAY 4-8 PM.