Karen Lynn Sefton, 72 of Valparaiso, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. She was born July 3, 1951, to the late Carl and Betty (Bray) Summerhill. Karen graduated from Hobart High School. In her youth, Karen enjoyed skiing and had worked as a ski instructor at the Pines in Valparaiso. She later worked as a Secretary at Bethlehem Steel, where she met her future husband and love of her life. While raising her daughter, Karen also worked as a Church Secretary, Avon Sales Representative, and substitute taught at Wanatah School. She was a dedicated member of Valparaiso Baptist Church, where she had served as Secretary for many years, Church Pianist, and AWANA Teacher. When she wasn’t at church, Karen loved spending time with her beloved family, especially the grandchildren she so eagerly awaited. She also loved animals of all kinds, but her dogs were her favorite. Church and family made Karen’s life complete. She cared for and loved people deeply, and had a wonderful sense of humor. Karen will be remembered as a loving and devoted mother and grandmother, who will be dearly missed.
On November 28, 1985, Karen married George Sefton, Jr., who preceded her in death in 2002. She is survived by their daughter, Rachel (John) Brubaker of Valparaiso; grandchildren: Raelynn Marie Brubaker and George David Brubaker; and brother, David (Kay) Summerhill of Hobart. She was preceded in death by her brother, Ron Summerhill.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Valparaiso Baptist Church, 612 Emmettsburg St., Valparaiso, with a funeral service beginning at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Valparaiso Baptist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.
GUESTBOOK
You were my best friend and sister-in-law for so many years and I have so many wonderful memories of our times together. My heart will always miss you, but knowing that you are now with Jesus is all that matters. I'll see you again one day. -Rhonda & Jon Bertram
"GRANDMA" is now 'Home', dancing in the arms of Jesus, smiling as sweetly as ever!!! While our hearts will long for the times God has allowed her to be a part of our lives, we know she has journeyed well in service for our Lord & has left a legacy of kindness & love towards every person she met! Rachel, your taking her in when she most needed you was the ultimate gift of love a child could give a parent!!! You gave her the security, peace & love & SO much more that she needed!!! I know there were rough patches, wonderful times & absolutely hilarious times [the latter being ones I was most privy to - my fav. was when I'd walk her from S.S. class to Church...she'd say: 'I don't need to hang on' & I'd say: 'I know, but I do - if I fall, I need a soft-landing place!' Then we'd laugh 'cause she was so little!] And I don't know who loved who more, her or the kiddles! She lived for their antics! Even they were great caregivers when needed [& never did thy complain! ]!!! John, well, you loved Karen like your own mom & showed that through the years. You held Rachel up when she needed it, when her work demanded long hours, you were chief cook & bottle washer [DAD! PIZZA AGAIN!]. Most important was that the "FAMILY" gave Karen just what she needed when she needed it! PSALMS 116: "PRECIOUS IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD IS THE DEATH OF HIS SAINTS!" I'LL LOVE YOU FOREVER................................."GRAMMIE" -NANCY BRUBAKER
Some of my fondest memories are of holidays at your house. You made everything so nice and those days were just magical. You had the best laugh and that wry Summerhill sense of humor. I love you, Aunt Karen. -Jason Summerhill
I can see her great smile and sparkling eyes looking at the Lord as He says, Welcome Home Karen. What a good and faithful servant you have been. Karen was a beautiful person. May you, her family, feel the peace and comfort of the Lord as you go through this change in your lives. -Anita Steele
