Karen Lee (Mercurio) Schwegler, age 70, of Bridgeton, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026, surrounded by her immediate family.

Born on April 2, 1956, in Perrysburg, Ohio, Karen was the sixth of eight children in a close-knit Catholic family. Growing up, she kept life lively and made a habit of playfully testing the patience of the nuns throughout her school years. Shortly after graduation, she met the love of her life, Paul, and relocated to his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri.

Karen loved being outdoors and going camping. A devoted working mother, she made home-cooked dinners daily and never missed a soccer game or wrestling match. That same devotion continued into the next generation—she attended as many of her granddaughters’ games as possible and delighted in spoiling them with sweet treats and thoughtful surprises. Karen will always be remembered for her fierce advocacy for those she loved, her infectious laugh, and her enthusiastic willingness to say “yes” to day trips and local adventures.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Edward and Mary Catherine “Katie” Mercurio.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years, Paul Schwegler; her daughter, Heather (Aaron) Hawes; her son, Benjamin (Katie) Schwegler; her cherished granddaughters, Charlotte and Adeline; her siblings, Mary, Pat, Richard, Sandy, Jackie, Tim, and Ellen; as well as a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, located at 17 Joy Avenue, Webster Groves, Missouri. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Karen’s legacy this holiday season by donating a gift to a family in need through a local Giving Tree or Angel Tree program.