Karen Sue (Robinson) Salmon

Karen Sue (Robinson) Salmon, 57, of Bennington, Vt, passed away peacefully on Sunday April 11, 2021 at Albany Medical Center following a brief illness. The first of 3 children, Karen was born in Bennington, VT on Monday, July 8, 1963 to the late Albert K. and Lillian G. (Maxon) Robinson Jr. of Shaftsbury, VT. Karen was a kind and giving soul who could find the good in everything and everyone. As soon as you interacted with Karen you could tell that she had a heart as big and bright as the sun. This trait was quickly seen and noted by her Grandma Robinson- whom Karen adored- she always called Karen her "Little Sunshine". Karen cared for people in the purest way. She loved them for who they were and because she wished only the best for them, she loved without asking for anything in return. A 1981 graduate of Mt. Anthony Union High School, Karen could always be found with a book in her hands, whether it be a cheesy romance novel or something by her favorite author Stephen King. Karen was a shy, bright student who was also gifted in playing the clarinet. She attended Castleton University for only a short time before realizing that life away from home was just not her thing. She came home and shortly thereafter found a job at the National Hanger Co. where she diligently worked for 34 years-slowly working her way up the ladder, becoming a Shipping Specialist.. having made several special friends along the way. The strong work ethic she displayed was one of the many positive traits that were taught to us as children through both of our parents' examples. Along with reading, Karen loved spending time with all members of her family. She enjoyed going camping and traveling about while listening to her favorite 80's rock music. Karen is survived by her siblings JoAnn (Michael) Appel of Bennington and Kenneth (Gail) Robinson of Shaftsbury. Her husband, Carl D. Salmon and their son Jacob Albert along with her daughter from a previous marriage, Kerrie Ann Kelly, her step-daughter Lisa (Dustin) Mears and her grandchildren Damien and Cassidy Reed, whom she adored.. all are of Bennington, VT. Karen was also blessed to have had a wonderful Mother and Father-In- Law in her life, William and Christine Meinhold of Schenectady, NY. Three nephews, Stephen and Ryan Appel and Matthew Robinson along with two nieces Kelsey Appel and Rebecca Robinson also remain, as well as several cousins and special friends. Karen will be forever remembered for her beautiful smile, gentle eyes, caring heart, loving embrace and unconditional love. She left the pain but she also left us all and our lives will never be the same. Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate her life and find comfort in knowing that she will always be watching over us... whether it be in the form of a warm breeze across our shoulders on a cool Autumn morning or by her favorite Van Halen song coming on the radio after we have had a long, bad day...she will be there...forever etched in our memories. The funeral with viewing will be held at the Hanson Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home in Bennington on Monday April 19 from 5pm-7pm. The family encourages you to join us during this time in celebrating Karen's life by sharing your special memories and stories. A brief eulogy will be given by her sister JoAnn at the conclusion of the service. In lieu of flowers, if desired, contributions in memory of Karen S. Salmon may be made to the Autism Society of America through the office of the Hanson Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home P.O. Box 957 Bennington, VT 05201. The family would like to sincerely thank all of the health care professionals at Albany Medical Center who took care of Karen in her final days. Their kind words and gentle acts of kindness will never be forgotten.