Karen Veronica (Speakman) Morrow, 66, of Valencia passed away Aug. 2 after a heroic battle with cancer.

She was born in Nevada City, Calif., Dec. 2, 1943. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lt. Richard Arthur Babcock and Catherine Mary Vinette.

Mrs. Morrow retired as an administrative assistant for the Breakneck Creek Regional Authority in Mars, where she worked for 14 years.

She recently moved to Crystal River, Fla., from Valencia.

She was heavily involved in her children's activities throughout the years, serving as a Brownie Troop leader, a Girl Scout leader and a girls' softball coach. She also was involved in the school PTO and served as PTO president.

Karen is survived by a daughter and her husband, Cathy and Ken Faul of Pensacola Beach, Fla.; a son and his wife, Bob and Pam Speakman of Mechanicsburg, Pa.; a daughter and her husband, Marcia and David Brown of Hernando, Fla.; and her lifelong best friend, Barb Conti. She has six grandchildren.

<B>MORROW</B> — A celebration of life for Karen Veronica (Speakman) Morrow, who died Monday, Aug. 2, 2010, will be from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 4 at the North Park Miller Pavilion for her family and friends.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.Arrangements are under the direction of <B>Hooper Funeral Home</B>, Inverness, Fla., and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.HooperFuneralHome.com.