Karen Ott Norton 1968-2021

She was born Feb. 10, 1968, in Warren, to Edwin and Joanne Ott.

Karen was a vibrant woman with many interests and a huge caretaker’s heart. Her greatest passion was her devotion to her twin daughters, Allie and Gabrielle. She loved being on the waters of Lake Norman and ending a summer day surrounded by friends and family, sharing a meal together. She was the consummate hostess who never let a detail go unattended. She loved gardening and took great pride in her flowers, ensuring her flowers were not only always beautiful, but provided the perfect draw for hummingbirds and cardinals. In the garden, she was most proud of her grandmother’s irises and peonies, which she transplanted at least three times and nearly 500 miles. She also had a soft spot for animals, especially her beloved Labrador and golden retrievers, and rescued kitties.

A proud alum of The Ohio State University pharmacy program, Karen began her career as a retail and clinical pharmacist, eventually leading to roles as a medical science liaison, specializing in rare endocrinology diseases, with various bio-pharmaceutical companies. It was during one of many industry conferences she attended that she met, and later married on Dec. 19, 2010, the love of her life, Mike Norton. Together they built a life of caring, fun and faith.

Most important to her was her family and her faith; she will forever be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt and friend.

Her spirit and energy will be greatly missed by her survivors: her husband, Mike Norton; daughters, Allie Kmiecik and Gabrielle Kmiecik, both of Charlotte, N.C.; stepson, Tyler Norton of Atlanta, Ga.; mother, Joanne Ott of Poland; sisters, Michele Healey of Canfield, Lynda Malone of Denver, N.C. and Sandy Trotter of North Canton; and a host of nieces, nephews and countless friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Edwin Ott.

A celebration of life will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, at The Cove Church, Mooresville, N.C. Light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

The family requests that donations be made to The Cove Church or Lake Norman Humane Society, Mooresville, N.C., in her honor.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Norton family. Condolences may be sent at www.cavin-cook.com.

(special notice)