12/03/2025
Karen Mengersen Herrington
May 8, 1944 - November 29, 2025
Karen Mengersen Herrington, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, scholar, and lifelong champion of education, passed away peacefully at home on November 29, 2025 at the age of 81. Born on May 8, 1944, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to Clarence and Vivian Mengersen, Karen lived a life defined by love, curiosity, and a steadfast belief in the transformative power of learning.
Karen was married to the love of her life, Bill Herrington, for 60 years-a partnership marked by deep devotion, unwavering support, and a shared sense of joint adventure. Together they built a life full of meaning and joy, raising two children, Doug (Stephanie) Herrington and Beth (Van) Herrington Stamos. Her children were her proudest accomplishment, and she poured her energy, wisdom, and work ethic into supporting every step of their lives.
Her love grew even deeper with the arrival of her five grandsons-Will, Jack, Andrew, Alex, and Zach-who called her Nana and adored her as much as she adored them. Karen had a rare gift for making each grandson feel uniquely celebrated. Whether she was asking thoughtful questions, fixing their favorite special treat, or sharing books and stories, she brought curiosity, warmth, and unconditional love to every moment she spent with them.
A gifted and accomplished scholar, Karen believed wholeheartedly in the value of education. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Washington University, a master’s degree in education from Southern Illinois University, and ultimately a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Akron. Her academic achievements reflected not only intelligence and perseverance but a lifelong passion for helping others learn and grow. Karen held many teaching positions over the years, yet she often spoke of her time teaching English to eighth graders as among her most cherished-an age she saw as full of possibility, humor, and discovery. She lived by the phrase she often repeated to her students and her family alike: “Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well.” It shaped how she worked, how she taught, and how she loved.
Throughout their long marriage, Karen and Bill lived in various cities across the Midwest, forming important friendships that endured decades and distance. Most recently, they made their homes in Canton, Ohio, and Naples, Florida, where they built a beautiful life surrounded by family, friends, and sunshine. Karen treasured her days in Florida-reading by the water, enjoying her Garden Club community, sharing morning coffees by the beach with Bill, and finding joy in the simplest, most meaningful moments.
Karen was an avid reader, a lifelong learner, a talented gardener, and an enthusiastic world traveler. Whether exploring a new place with Bill, diving into a stack of books, or engaging in thoughtful conversation, she approached life with curiosity and grace. She had a sharp mind, a generous heart, and always set very high standards in everything she did, both for herself and those fortunate to be in her life.
Karen leaves behind a legacy rooted in love, learning, and connection. She touched countless lives-her students, her friends, and most of all, her family-through her wisdom, work ethic, and constant belief in the potential of others. Her spirit lives on in the people she shaped, the conversations she sparked, and the values she embodied every day.
She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Vivian, and her dear younger brother, Roger. At Karen’s wish, a family celebration of life will be held in the sunshine of Naples, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, a charity about which she cared deeply and supported for many years.
Please leave condolences on our tribute page.
Share memories & support the family
