Karen (Conti) Bengston, 62, of Avondale, PA, passed away on September 10, 2021.
Karen was born in 1958 in Harrisburg, PA. She was a graduate of Bishop McDevitt High School and the University of Delaware, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and marketing.
Karen had a 33-year career in marketing and public relations with Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, and made a name for herself and her way with words. She oversaw media relations, speechwriting, special events, and publications for the hospital and the prevention division – most recently contributing to Nemours Children’s Health. She was highly regarded for her ability to connect with patients and their families to share their story in a meaningful way.
As an engaged member of the community, Karen served on the Wilmington Health Planning Council, the IMPACT Tobacco Prevention Coalition, the Advisory Board for Child, Inc., and the Delaware SAFEKIDS Coalition. She also served on the Board of Directors for Girls on the Run Delaware and PAWS for People. Karen was a volunteer with the adult literacy program at the Bayard Taylor Memorial Library, and a long-time member of St. Mary of the Assumption Church.
Outside of her professional work and volunteerism, Karen was the heart of her family, a proud wife, mother, and grandmother. She was spirited and enjoyed celebrating even your smallest triumph. In her presence, she had a way of both inspiring you and putting you at ease. She was also a listener but still loved to tell a story. While she was smart and well-read, she also appreciated life’s simple pleasures – trying out a new recipe, walking her dog, Betty, or solving a Sunday crossword. Though she received a cancer diagnosis in 2016, she remained incredibly selfless and continued to put her family and dear friends first. She would humbly never take credit for it, but her undeniable strength was present through it all.
Karen was predeceased by her father John L. Conti, and mother Rosalie V. Conti. She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, David P. Bengston; daughters Jana C. DeNobrega (Patrick) of Towson, MD and Sara K. Malloy (Ryan) of Mt. Pleasant, SC; grandson Jackson DeNobrega; brother Michael A. Conti (Christine) of Potomac, MD; aunt Virginia G. Serafini of Camp Hill, PA, and three nieces.
A public service will be held at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Hockessin, DE, on Friday, September 17, 2021 at 3:00PM, visitation will begin at 2:30PM with the family beforehand. In lieu of flowers, her family suggests donations in her name to the Nemours Fund – https://www.nemours.org/givingtonemours.html.
Condolences
Thank You
Your online condolence will appear once approved by our site administrator.