Karen Shera Call, 76, of Leesburg, IN passed away on August 29, 2017 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, surrounded by family and friends.  She was born on September 4, 1940 in Indianapolis, IN, the only child of Rex and Vera (Sherrard) Shera.  She married John F. Call in October of 1979.  In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughter, Laura L. Lashmet (Darryn Duchon), stepdaughter Kerry A. Bingham (Kenny), stepson Casey J. Call (Christie), and four grandchildren: Nicholas Lashmet, Matthew Lashmet, John W. Call, and Sydney Bingham.

     She attended Manual High School in Indianapolis, graduating at age 16.  She attended Butler University, earning her Bachelors of Science degree in 1963 and Masters of Education in 1973.  She taught elementary and middle school for thirty two years.  She began her career in Indianapolis, teaching at I.P.S and Warren Township elementary schools.  When she moved to Syracuse in 1980, she taught at West Noble Middle School in Ligonier, IN.

     Karen and her husband John took a two and a half year sabbatical in 1984 and purchased a 49′ sailboat that they lived aboard with the family cat and sailed throughout the Atlantic and Caribbean, returning to Syracuse in 1987.

     Karen was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, Indianapolis Sailing Club, Indianapolis Junior Symphony, and Wawasee Yacht Club.  She volunteered at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Indianapolis, Central State Hospital, Indianapolis, and the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County.  She was also a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) volunteer in Kosciusko County.

     She loved all animals, especially their beloved dogs Charlie and Frannie and numerous Siamese cats along the way, including their current one named Tippy.  She always kept classroom pets: everything from Guinea pigs, to rats, to ferrets to tree frogs…she loved them all and shared that love with her students.

     Most importantly, Karen loved her family and friends.  She treasured her grandchildren and asked to keep them every chance she could.  They were literally her life and raison d’être.  A favorite quote of hers was, “How do children spell love?  T.I.M.E”  The “time” and attention she shared with her family as well as her many students was one of her greatest gifts.

     There will be a Celebration of Life to remember Karen at the Wawasee Yacht Club, 6338 E. Trusdell Avenue, Syracuse, IN 46567 on her 77th birthday, Monday, September 4th, from 3pm to 6pm.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County or to the American Cancer Society.