Karen Lee Von Bernewitz

                         Memorial Service.                                          January 12, 2025 @ 3pm.                                    1417 Washington drive.                      Stafford, Virginia, 22554

Please feel free to bring an instrument and stand as mom always loved to celebrate with music and a good "jam".

Karen von Bernewitz was born in Arlington, Virginia, November 23, 1959. On December 15, 2024 God recieved her home suddenly and much earlier than expected

Karen was known for her laughter, sense of humor, blunt candidness, and love for all those around her.

She is preceded in death by her father, Herman von Bernewitz, and mother, Francine von Bernewitz.  She leaves behind her loving husband, Christopher Sellers, 3 sisters: Heidi von Bernewitz, Elaine Gladwin, and Carla von Bernewitz. She also leaves behind her 3 children : Victor von Bernewitz-Wright, Elise Fonseca, and Amy Ruhlman, in addition to her 7 grandchildren: Haley, Michael, Benjamin, Ella, Angela, Alexis, and Henry.

Aside from her family, music was Karen's passion in life. She sang with the Washington Bach Consort, played clarinet in her high school marching band, played and performed on double bass on many occasions, and recently had begun performing on clarinet again. She taught strings in both Fairfax and Prince William county for over 25 years, instilling a love of music within the hearts of her students, many of which have gone on to pursue a life or career in music.

Within her own family, music was central. She had her children learn piano at a young age, then as they got older, fostered their education on double bass, viola, and violin. She often joked that this was purposeful as she also had them play in The Takoma Mandoleers, the mandolin group her father, Herman von Bernewitz started and which she took over for sometime. She insisted the gift of music be passed through the generations, paying for years of violin for her grandchildren,  encouraging them in solo ensemble, recitals, and concerts.

Teaching strings brought her so much joy. For many years she would teach strings class all day then come home to a line up of private lessons. While concert season was always stressful, there was always a nervous excitement before a concert and pride in all her students for all they had accomplished.

Her children, Victor, Elise, and Amy, will forever remember her undying, unconditional love and support. There was not a single thing, no obstacle too big, that she would allow between her and her children. She kept a wonderful friendship with Mark Wright, their father and ex-husband, so that her children always had both available for all major (and non major) events in their life. 

She showed true sincerity in all she did. She constantly put others before herself including caring for her aging mother and older sister, Elaine. She sacrificed her wants and needs to see to others first. 

Karen was a true Christian, knew God, and had accepted Jesus as her savior. She raised her children and grandchildren to know and love the Lord. While her loss is unbelievable and so unexpected, we can take comfort in knowing that she has been recieved by God and is living her eternal life in His presence. 

In place of flowers, we are in the process of setting up a Foundation to support young musicians. Details will be provided shortly.