Karen R. Kelly

Karen Renate Kelly (Bender) passed away on Monday, November 27th at Laureldale Skilled Nursing, where she had been a patient for several weeks.

Karen was born in Reading PA on February 14, 1948. She was the youngest of 5 children of Jacob P. and Marie Bender of that city. She was predeceased by her parents and her sister Renate and brothers Peter and Jacob. She is survived by her brother, Edmund.

Karen grew up in the country, and was inseparable from her twin brothers Jake and Eddie. Along with her brothers, she attended Oley High School, where she was an honor student, and Albright College, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree.

After graduating from Albright, Karen, who was always called "Nina," by her family, began her life as a Christian, and she attended church thereafter, until her health prevented it. At that time she also began her career as a computer technician. For some time she worked for H. Ross Perot's company Electronic Data Systems. Her work sometimes took her far afield, as when she was stationed in London, England for a few years.

In midlife, Karen met her future husband, Herald Kelly, who became the love of her life. They settled down in Virginia, near Washington D.C. When Herald's health deteriorated, and he passed away, Karen's health was also poor, and she moved back home to live in a development near Blandon, PA. While living there, her health continued to deteriorate, until her passing.

Funeral service for Karen will be held on Friday, December 15, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Grace Bible Fellowship Church, 1128 Hampden Blvd, Reading, PA 19604. Online guestbook and condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com