Long time resident of Ocala, FL, she was born and raised in Indiana where she attended Purdue University on a 4-H Club scholarship and received Bachelors and Masters degrees in Home Economics and Education.

Since moving to Ocala, she was a faculty member at Golden Hills Academy and later worked as a home Economist for the Ocala Electric Utility where she was known as Penny Power. Later she was owner manager of Affairs by karen, a catering and social affairs management service. She was a photo naturalist Photographer and won the Peoples Magazine Award in 2002. She was a member of a number of bridge clubs, enjoyed entertaining. She is survied by her loving husband, Carlo Caturano.