Karen Gay Brita, 76, of Goshen, IN passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. Karen was born in Elkhart, IN on February 26, 1946, to the late Marion Minierand Freda (Duesler) Binkley. She is survived by her children, Christine (Brad) Blackburn, Timothy Fisel and Jennifer Hamilton; grandchildren, Hannah (Terry) Lombardi, Shelby (Dale) Schwek, Bradley Blackburn, Pahge Kline, Clifford Hamilton and Gabrielle Hamilton; great grandchildren, Hunter Looney, Lindsey Lombardi, Brentley Blackburn and Gracelyn Blackburn; brothers, Steven (Dale Flake) Minier, Tony (Cindy) Minier, Jon “Scott” Binkley and James (Dana) Binkley; and long time love, Doug Hanna.
Karen loved her family, blood and racing. South Bend Motor Speedway is where she would be seen on a summer night. She worked at both South Bend and Plymouth Speedways most recently. In the past, she worked at M40, Mottville and New Paris Speedways. She was a big San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts fan. Michigan Wolverines football was her college football team. When she did watch NASCAR her favorites have been Rusty Wallace, Jimmie Johnson and Carl Edwards. She always had the most beautiful smile, a hug for everyone and was well known for kissing her favorite drivers as they were coming into the track each weekend. There were certain drivers that refused to go to anyone but her at the pit gate because her kiss was “good luck”. She was known to most everyone by either “Nana” or “50/50 Lady”.
The family will receive friends from 2 pm-4 pm on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka, IN. Funeral Service will begin at 4 pm in the funeral home.
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