Karen Joan (Goeke) Christopher "Gram"

Karen Joan (Goeke) Christopher "Gram", passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 26, 2023 in Wellington, Florida. She was born on January 13, 1943 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, Ohio and was the first child of Joan (Jay) and Ralph Walter Goeke.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Joan and Ralph Goeke; sister Ellen Baber; and her husband in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, John J. Christopher.

Karen is survived by her three children, John (Kathleen) Christopher, David (Stephanie Filardi) Christopher, and Leah Cooke; nine grandchildren, Brandon, Adam, Carly, Izabela, Richard, James, Danielle, Chris, and Jayce; three siblings, Ralph (Deb) Goeke, Debra (Dennis) Munhall, and Roger (Sue) Goeke. She is also survived by numerous family and friends, including many that she has known and loved for over sixty years.

Karen was the oldest of five children in a household where hard work and principled living were highly emphasized. She idolized her mother's maternal gifts, was a caretaker when her parents required help, and was always fair in her eldest child role. Karen acted responsibly and was decidedly accomplished in her caregiving and leadership role for her entire life. She served her young immediate family the right way when required in an active household with a sibling that required extra attention due to her physical limitations.

She attended Julienne High School during her freshman and sophomore years, followed by Fairmont High School in Kettering, Ohio through graduation in 1961. Karen liked to read, was extremely intelligent and during her school days as a young woman was very sociable and good at making friends. She enjoyed and embraced unique people emanating from different backgrounds who introduced originality to her life's experience.

Karen worked at United Technologies from 1961-1966 after high school and before starting a family in 1968. United Technologies was involved in the interpretation of data following mechanical failures to aircraft.

Karen met a young man, John J. Christopher, from a very distinct cultural background (New York City-Italian American) while he was attending the University of Dayton. She was quickly embraced and adored by John's New York City family, who later became her extended loved ones by way of Holy Matrimony. Her late mother and father-in-law arguably loved Karen more than their own crazy young sons!

She dedicated most of her life's work to raising their three children in a household that enjoyed laughter and celebrated achievement. By Karen's example, her children learned how to live life with an understanding of how to respect and see the good in others and taught her family about a distinct sense of right and wrong. She infused confidence and tenderness into her children that with the good Lord's guidance is now also flowing to her grandchildren.

Karen was soft spoken and an entirely engaged listener for family and friends who were experiencing joy, sorrow, fear, success, and personal change. Many loved ones approached Karen for counsel and comfort when conditions left them feeling down or isolated. She was always mindful of honoring the required level of privacy as friends and family shared personal details of their challenges, and those that confided in her walked away knowing they received a very balanced reflection on the circumstance at hand. At no point did Karen exit an interaction where her loved one experienced heightened animosity at whatever or whomever. In fact, it was guaranteed that reconciliation to the situation at hand soon followed.

Karen's calm demeanor, steady guidance and stunning beauty will be missed by all those who knew, admired and loved her.

Memorial Gathering will be held from 9:30 am - 11:00 am on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Newcomer Funeral Home (3940 Kettering Blvd. Kettering, Ohio 45439). Memorial Service will be officiated by Deacon Terry Martin and Deacon Vern Smith at 11:00 am. Karen will then be laid to rest alongside her parents, Joan and Ralph Goeke at Calvary Cemetery.

In addition, a Vigil Mass with Intentions for Karen J. Christopher will be held at 5:00 pm at Holy Angels Church (1322 Brown Street Dayton, OH 45409) on Saturday. The Christopher family would like to invite guests to join them for dinner at Mudlick Tap House (135 East 2nd Street-2nd Floor Dayton, Ohio 45402) to celebrate Karen's life around 6:15 pm.

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