PORTSMOUTH – Karen Louise Gollihue Vadnais, 56, passed away in her sleep on May 11, 2015.
Ms. Vadnais was the daughter of the late Leonard and Rita V. Gollihue. She was a unit secretary at Bon Secours Maryview Heart & Vascular Center. Karen graduated from Portsmouth Catholic High School, Class of 1977 and attended Tidewater Community College and Old Dominion University. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Amanda Katherine.
Karen possessed a quick wit and was a great punster. She could make a happy situation out of a sad one and loved her family and friends. Although life didn't always deal with her kindly, Karen could generate spirit in almost any scenario. She was friendly and helpful, both qualities that she demonstrated at work and at home. Not having her around us will certainly leave a void that will not be fillable, and that's what made her special to all of us.
Survivors include her daughter, Kerry Elizabeth Vadnais of Norfolk; a brother, Alan E. Gollihue and wife Lane Killam of Portsmouth; and Kerry's father, Michael E. Vadnais, and Karen's friend Rob Wilson.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2015 at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Chesapeake. The family will receive friends 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Foster Funeral Home, Portsmouth. Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Assoc. 870 Greenbrier Circle, Suite #404, Chesapeake, VA 23320. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.