Karen Elizabeth Marlow-Bennett, 56, of Hollywood Maryland died on October 16, 2012 at her home after a long courageous 4 year battle with cancer, surrounded by her husband, family and extraordinary friends.

Daughter of the late William and Gracia Marlow, Karen was born April 10, 1956 in Bethesda, Maryland and left there in 1974 to attend St. Mary's College in Southern Maryland. She eventually made this beautiful county her permanent home and married lifelong resident Charles R. Bennett in 1987.

Karen is also survived by sisters Laurie Boegel and husband Jimmy, Melissa Reid and husband Eddie, brother Billy and wife Jennifer. She was the devoted mother to Jenny Conrad and her husband Pat and devoted grandmother to Gannon, Devan and Quinn. She is also survived by and was favorite Aunt to Hollie, Joey and Brice Reid and Alison and Jamie Boegel; and her Aunt, Penelope Madden. Karen had many special friends who admired and loved her.

Karen was a devoted teacher at Margret Brent Middle School for 31 years and was loved by students and coworkers alike. In July 2007 Karen received the Work Hard Be Nice Award.

Prior to Karen's diagnosis of cancer and even at times during her battle with cancer she stayed active, bike riding, rollerblading, jazzercise, swimming and dancing to her favorite music. Karen loved gardening, cooking and spending time with her two beloved dogs Lulabell and Ranger. Sadly Ranger died suddenly earlier this year. Karen loved the beach; long walks, swimming in the ocean, sunsets, and spending time with family on vacations.

The family is grateful to St. Mary's Hospice and St. Mary's Cancer Care Center for their care. A very special thanks to Beth, Louise, Cathy Jo, Geri and Janet, for their loving care and devotion. And to Kathy York for bringing beautiful flower arrangements to Karen for many weeks to brighten up her days; and to Diane Burroughs for sharing Flora Corner Farm for Karen's Celebration of Life Gathering.

Visitation will be held in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD, on Saturday, October 20, 2012 from 12PM to 1PM. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00PM in the Funeral Home Chapel, a Celebration of Life Gathering immediately following, at Flora Corner Farm, 28385 Flora Corner Road, Mechanicsville, MD.

Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1041 Rt. 3 North Building A, Gambrills, MD 21054, and/or Heifer International, 1 World Avenue Little Rock, AR 72202. Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR/USA 72202 Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR/USA 72202.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.