Karen Norman

Karen Hansen Norman, born on December 30, 1942, in Washington D.C., was a loving, supportive, and dedicated mother who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was a beacon of light in the lives of those she touched, always giving more than she received. Karen's thoughtful nature and unwavering dedication to her friends, family, and community were the cornerstones of her existence. She was a past board member of the New Bern Historical Society, a longtime volunteer with Craven County Hospice, and an enthusiastic participant in numerous Bridge Groups.

Karen and her husband of 38 years, Joseph Hunter Norman IV, who preceded her in death, moved to New Bern in the mid-1970s, where she nurtured her family and created a home filled with love and warmth. The Norman family attended Christ Episcopal Church where all of the children were active in the church youth group for many years. In recent times, she had reconnected with her roots in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, reigniting her Mormon faith that she grew up with. In the final years of her life, she enjoyed the blessings of the Temple. Karen's life was punctuated with many friendships, cultural events and more than 45 memorable travels around the world based on her cancelled passports. She possessed a quick wit and a strong-willed nature.

Karen was also preceded in death by her son Niels, her parents, Lon and Ruth Hansen, and her daughter Claire (husband Jay Deakin). She also leaves behind her son Joseph Hunter Norman V (wife Julie), two grandchildren, Parker Norman (husband Silas Helbig) and Spencer Norman and a beautiful apple of her eye, great grandson, Hunter.

A celebration of Karen's life will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 11:00am at Christ Church, 320 Pollock Street, New Bern, North Carolina, 28560. She will then be laid to rest at Greenleaf Memorial Park. Following the burial, friends are invited to join the family at a reception at 1:00 pm at New Bern Golf & Country Club. We invite all who knew Karen to join us in celebrating her remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Craven County Hospice, the New Bern Historical Society, or to the charity of one’s choice.

In memory of Karen, you may leave your memories and upload photos to her memorial page. Your stories, pictures, and words of comfort will serve as a testament to Karen's impact on our lives and will help keep her memory alive for generations to come.

Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care is honored to serve the family and friends of Karen Hansen Norman.