Karen Rison Voglewede, 74, transitioned to heaven peacefully from her home in Surry, VA, on Friday, April 10, 2026. Born in Hampton, VA, Karen was a longtime resident of Foxhill and a lifelong resident of the Hampton Roads area.
Karen’s home away from home was in Salvo, NC, where she treasured sunsets, beach drives, and seashell hunting with her husband, Carl Voglewede. In retirement, Karen and Carl spent as much time as possible at the cottage, a place that brought her great joy and peace.
Karen was a Registered Nurse and retired from Sentara after 40 years of dedicated service. She began her career in the nursery caring for newborns, later rose to manage women’s health across multiple hospitals, and in the years before retirement returned to the place she loved most – the nursery.
Family was the center of Karen’s life. Raised with five sisters and blessed with a large extended family through marriage, she shared deep bonds that made family not only her greatest joy, but also her closest friends. She loved gathering with family for holidays, birthdays, and vacations, creating memories that will be treasured forever. An amazing cook and thoughtful event planner, Karen was especially known for her barbecue and crab cakes – like no other.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Jean and Andy Greenwell. Surviving are her husband of 55 years, Carl Voglewede; her daughters and their spouses, Barbara Baise (Karl Schmidt) and Brenda Blackwell (Talmadge); her grandchildren, Reanne Baise, Skyler Baise, Victoria Blackwell, and Nathan Blackwell; her sisters and their spouses, Carol Hardy, Ann Malarkey (late John Malarkey), Cathy Medders-Fagan (Chris Fagan), Helen Mallon (Steve) and Beth Cumbo (Lance Heater); and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 24th , 2026, by Rev. Romeo D. Jazmin. A Divine Mercy Chaplet will be prayed 15 minutes before the start of Mass. A gathering of friends and family will immediately follow at Cordier Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to one of the following: St Jude Children’s Research Hospital (online at https://www.stjude.org); St Joseph Catholic Church Food Pantry (512 Buckroe Ave, Hampton, VA 23664)
6 Comments
My dear Karen, how I love & cherish the times we had years ago as sisters in law. You were always so sweet to me & I have missed you so. May Carl, Barbara, Brenda & your sisters find calm & peace in their memories.
I am so deeply saddened to hear about Karen’s passing. She was truly one of those rare, unforgettable people who leaves a lasting imprint on everyone lucky enough to know her.
Growing up, as Barbara’s best friend, I spent so much time at the house, and Karen always made me feel like I belonged. She wasn’t just Barbara’s mom—she was a second mom to me. Her warmth, her laughter, and the way she genuinely cared about all of us created a kind of home that felt safe, joyful, and full of love.
Even now, decades later, I can still picture her smile and hear her voice. She had such a fun spirit and an incredible way of making people feel seen and valued. Those memories have stayed with me all these years, and I will always be grateful for them.
Karen was truly an amazing woman—a legend in every sense of the word. The life she built, the love she gave, and the example she set is something so many of us look up to and hope to carry forward in our own lives. That is a legacy that will never fade.
My heart is with all of you. I feel so lucky to have known her, and I will always cherish the role she played in my life.
With love and deepest sympathy,
Jen Funk
I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Karen. She was a very important figure in my childhood Her sister Helen,and I,would babysit frequently at their home. She was always kind and loving. May your soul rest peacefully and may God grant those who are mourning comfort.
Karen was a wonderful person who always had a beautiful smile and love for all. She and Carl always opened their home up to visitors and our children still talk about the crabbing adventures at their home in Fox Hill. She was yet another blessing that the Lord provided us all. God bless her, Carl, and the family.
I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Karen. She was a loving and positive figure in my life during my childhood and teenage years. Helen, her sister, and I would babysit frequently at their home. She was kind and funny and a pleasure to be around. May God grant your soul peace and eternal rest and comfort to all those who are mourning.
I know Karen because she was one of my upper class persons and most of high school, Carl’s girlfriend. Carl’s younger sister, Mary, was one of my best friends with Phil and Carl like brothers to me. I considered the many years I spent around the Voglewedes some of the best times of my life. I can’t remember those times without Karen in it.
I know Karen always as Carl’s true love because they were models of one of the first couples I knew who were truly “in love”. I can still see that everlasting and timeless smile of hers; and the feel of her soft soul with such presence.
I know Karen lived a rich, satisfying life of love and family.
“A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.” — Maya Angelou
Rest easy, Karen. And while heaven has received a beautiful soul, for you Carl, your angel will forever watch over you and your family.