Karen Elizabeth Hennig Pentz, 64, of Neptune passed away Wednesday, October 4th at her home in Shark River Hills. Karen was born in Newark, NJ and raised in the quaint town of Ocean Grove where she was a staple of her community.She graduated from the Ranney School in 1977 and the University of Delaware in 1981 where she set swimming records as a stellar student-athlete. She had aspired to become an attorney until she met her beloved husband, Jim. He convinced her to enter the crazy world of real estate and they quickly made a name for themselves. In 1996, the unstoppable duo went on to open their own real estate firm, James J. Pentz Realtors, on 78 Main Avenue in Ocean Grove.Karen enjoyed skiing, cooking, spending time with family, and soaring the skies up and down the Hudson River with her pilot son Joe. She was known to all who knew her as a force to bereckoned with. If Karen wanted something done, nothing could stop her. Her dedication, passion, and drive were only a few of the powerful, outstanding characteristics that defined her throughout her life.Karen was predeceased by her husband James J. Pentz in 2002, her father Richard Hennig in 2006, and her mother Claire MacNee Hennig in 2012. She is survived by her son, Joseph James Pentz of Toms River and her brother Richard Hennig, Jr. of Ann Arbor, MI. She is also survived by her cousins, Christine Coburn of Sea Girt, Scott Coburn of Darien, CT, and her cousin-in-law Eileen Coburn of Darien, CT. In addition, she leaves her cherished niece and nephew who never failed to make her laugh or provide her with a healthy dose of gossip, Kathleen Hennig of San Diego, CA and Patrick Hennig of Fort Lauderdale, FL. She also leaves the person who was with her through thick and thin, her long-time best friend Lynda Poland of Lake Como.A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 14th at 10:00 am at the Roman Catholic Church of the Ascension, St. Theresa of Calcutta Parish, 501 Brinley Ave., Bradley Beach. Cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Karen's memory can be made to one of her favorite organizations, Mary's Place by the Sea, 22 Main Ave, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756.