Karen Patton Poehlein

Karen Patton Poehlein, 76, passed away on January 21, 2018 in Asheville, NC after a brief illness. She was born in 1941 in Cleveland, Ohio to Donald and Mary Louise Patton and became a resident of Asheville in 1956, when her family relocated to Western North Carolina. She graduated from St.Genevieve-of-the Pines Academy (Asheville). After spending two years at Dunbarton College (Washington DC), she graduated from Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina (Greensboro). She earned her Elementary School Teaching Certificate, her Masters in Education and Educational Specialist degree from Western Carolina University. Karen’s love of learning continued through her entire life. Karen worked in Buncombe Country Schools for 35 years in several different roles – Elementary Teacher, Reading Specialist, Curriculum Specialist and even Buncombe County Spelling Bee word caller! After retiring from full-time work in 2005, she loved her part-time position at Grovewood Gallery in Asheville. She was a life-long, avid reader and a master of counted-cross stitch – the more challenging, the better! She enjoyed water-aerobics, bridge and was an enthusiastic fan of the UNC Tar Heels. She enjoyed theater, regularly attending local productions and touring Broadway shows. Karen made keeping in touch with her friends and family a priority. Her “lunch calendar” was always full. Karen loved traveling, making memorable trips to Ireland, Scandinavia, Russia and many wonderful destinations across the United States. Yosemite National Park was one of her favorites. However, times spent visiting family and friends – especially her cousins, aunts and uncles – were always at the top of the list. Karen is survived by her daughter, Allison Ganzhorn (George); her brother Tim Patton (Margaret) of Charlotte and sister Kathleen Frech (Al) of Bridgeville, DE. She is also survived by nephews, Sean Patton (Rachel), Brian Patton (Sarah) and Michael Frech (Sue); nieces, Veronica Westover and Stephanie McConnell (Rustyn) and nine great-nieces and nephews. The family will be receive friends and relatives at Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Ave., from 3:30 – 6:00 PM on Thursday, January 25. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at The Parish of St. Eugene, 72 Culvern Street, Asheville, NC at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 26. As an alternative to flowers, memorial donations may be made to Asheville Catholic School (12 Culvern Street, Asheville, NC 28804) for support of the library or to the John F. Keever Solace Center (P.O. Box 5779, Asheville, NC 28813).

Tributes

Karen Patton Poehlein

September 13, 1941 - January 21, 2018