Karen M. Marchand

Karen M. Marchand, 80, of Robinson, IL, passed away October 5, 2021, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, IN. She was born December 25, 1940, in Palestine, IL, the daughter of Ausby & Dale (Leggitt) Lankston. She grew up in the Palestine area and was a 1959 graduate of Palestine High School. Right out of high school, she married Clyde White, and they were united in Holy Matrimony on May 30, 1959. To this union were born three beloved daughters, Lynn, Jennifer, and Dawn. Karen spent 41 years of her life in Louisiana, where she worked at RJ Marchand's and met her second husband, Ron Marchand. They were married on June 18, 1988. She would go on to work at Jefferson Downs/Churchill Downs Racetrack as an accountant. The time she spent in the Bayou State was precious to her, especially the 22 years she spent with Ron before his passing on March 20, 2010. Not long after, she moved back to the area, settling in Robinson in 2011. Karen truly enjoyed time at home, where she often filled her time caring for her cherished pets and making elegant and beautiful bracelets. The latter should come as no surprise to those who knew her as a sophisticated, well-put-together woman who radiated grace and class. A voracious reader, she spent countless hours pouring over the pages of books, though none were as precious to her as her Bible. In fact, she took part in a Bible study group, a group of women who became an extension of her family, as did the whole of the Robinson First United Methodist Church. It was apparent that sharing precious moments with her loved ones brought life to her living. These moments have become treasured memories that we will hold near to our hearts for the rest of our days. May they serve as her lasting legacy, stirring within us until, by the grace of God, we see her again. She is survived by her daughters & sons-in-law, Lynn & Don Spille, Jennifer & Greg Hayes, and Dawn & Ronnie Brown; by her stepson & daughter-in-law, Ryan & Anne Marchand; by her sister, Peggy McWilliams; by six grandchildren, April, Tiffany, William, Evan, Caleb, and Brian; by six great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter; five nieces and nephews; ten cousins; and four sisters-in-law. A time of visitation will be held from 10:30-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 16th, at the Robinson First United Methodist Church, with a celebration of life service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Jay Regennitter will officiate. A live stream of her celebration will be available on the church's YouTube page: www.youtube.com/channel/UCh-NVUjvs3ry0EBk_8aCGgA In Karen's name, memorials may be made to the following organizations: "American Diabetes Association", "St. Jude Children's Research Hospital", or to the "Crawford County Humane Society". Envelopes will be available at the church. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements.