Karen Kay (Vessey) Benavidez peacefully passed on Aug. 12, 2020, at Grays Harbor Community Hospital in Aberdeen, Washington. She was born to Harold and Darylene Vessey on May 21, 1952, in Aberdeen.

She was raised in Aberdeen and attended school at Weatherwax High School graduating in 1970.

On Nov. 1, 1975, she married the love of her life James “Benny” Benavidez in Aberdeen.

Over the years, Karen worked at the Hoquiam Licensing Department from 1976-1979, Community Action 1982-1992 and in emergency services and as a public housing manager from 1992 to her retirement in 2015.

Karen gave back to her community by donating to annual food drives and food banks. She also had many things in life she enjoyed such as reading, camping, taking road trips and she loved spending time with her pets. Karen also loved spending time with her grandkids. She would go to all of their sporting events to support them.

Together Karen and her husband Benny took annual trips to Hawaii to the Kona Coast. They enjoyed their time traveling together.

Karen is survived by her daughters Tracey Benavidez of Hoquiam, Washington and Joli (Justin) Walker of Aberdeen; brother Paul (Sherri) Vessey; and her three grandchildren, Tristan Hosford, Jaiden Walker and JJ Walker.

She is preceded in death by her parents Harold and Darylene Vessey and her husband James Benavidez.

Memorials can be made in honor of Karen to Paws of Grays Harbor.

At Karen’s request there will be no services.

To share memories or express condolences please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com.

Arrangements by Harrison Family Mortuary of Aberdeen.