Karen L. Casalinova

HURON - Karen L. Casalinova, 73 of Huron and formerly of Castalia, was taken away from us fighting for her life Thursday, March 16th, 2017 at the Cleveland Clinic ICU. She lasted for 4 days until her frail body finally gave up the fight.

Karen was born on Oct. 28 1943 in Sandusky, the daughter of the late Joseph & Margaret Vargo. They lived in Castalia and she went to Margaretta Elementary School until the family moved to Huron and graduated from Huron High. Even though Karen lived in Huron for over 60 years, she always said she was considered a transplant.

On August 11, 1961, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Huron, she married her best friend & soulmate Ronald R. Casalinova.

Karen is survived by her husband, Ronald, two daughters; Tracy Casalinova (Matt) of Norwalk, Margaret (Frank) Faria and her son Ronald (Dawn) Casalinova of Huron. Her beloved grandchildren; Frankie III, Ronnie III and Allie Renee and special grandpets; Bert and Cookie of Norwalk.

Karen owned, worked and loved her business of 51 years, Vargo Drive In of Norwalk. She worked side by side with her parents and then with her husband and children. She loved her employees and her customers as family. Like any family she had her favorites and “you know who you are!” She loved people and people loved her. Karen always was there for anyone who needed her. No one was a stranger. She (like her mother) had the gift - within minutes you would be telling her your life story and she truly listened and truly cared. Karen also worked for H&R Block of Norwalk for 10 years during Vargo’s off season.

Karen never met a cat she didn’t want to adopt she was an avid supporter of the Humane Society. Karen supported of all the surrounding schools, and most all, the clubs and Local Libraries, Fire & Police Departments. She sponsored baseball teams, softball and even a ‘67 Camaro Orange Crush drag race car. Plus she even supported some of the casinos. It was hard for her to say no to anyone.

Karen first got her love of flowers from her grandfather, master gardener Joseph Vargo Sr. She loves all kinds of flowers and she especially loved teaching others how to plant and grow.

Friends, family and extended / adopted family may call Tuesday, March 21st from 5 – 8 p.m. at Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, 410 Main Street, Huron. Funeral service and mass will be Wednesday, March 22 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church, 430 Main Street, Huron, with Father Jeff McBeth officiating. Burial will be in Meadow Green Memoria Park, Huron.

Memorial contributions may be given to: Huron or Norwalk Police & Fire departments, Huron Co Humane Society, or to St. Peter Catholic Church, Huron.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fosterfh.com.