Karen Irene Grimes, loving mother, grandmother, and friend to many died March 10, 2024 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, FL. She was born on February 26, 1950 in Bloomington, IL to Gertrude and Harold Hill. Karen graduated Bloomington High School in 1968 and from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1971 with her nursing degree.

Karen is survived by her husband of nearly 45 years, Daniel Grimes, and their four children: John (Ann) Grimes, Kenosha, WI; Kacie (Matthew Runyen) Grimes, Chicago, IL; Nathan (Andrea) Grimes, Washington, IL; and Ashley (Felipe Villaseñor) Grimes, Valdivia, Chile. Karen was a beloved grandmother to eight grandchildren: Wren and Abigail Grimes; Jack, Alexandra, and Juliette Runyen; Joseph Grimes; and Nico and Max Villaseñor. Survivors also include Karen’s siblings: Marcia, DeAnn, and Mark. Karen cared for and was loved by many animals throughout her life, always quickly becoming their preferred person, and she leaves behind her loyal and playful dog CeCe.

Karen was a registered nurse for over 43 years in Bloomington-Normal and two more years in Venice, FL, where she and Dan relocated in 2014. Karen made a lasting impact on the lives of countless patients and coworkers, and was honored with multiple nursing awards recognizing her exemplary dedication to patient care. Karen was a natural caregiver who always put others first, and her generous spirit, kindness, and compassion were felt by everyone she met. Her family remembers any outing in Bloomington-Normal was guaranteed to include running into a patient or coworker of Karen’s who wanted to stop them to mention the truly remarkable way Karen had cared for or supported them. She was the nurse anyone would hope to have for themselves or their loved ones.

Even after multiple challenging health diagnoses, Karen continued to live a life filled with love and gratitude. She faced the complications of her illnesses gracefully, always finding energy to spend time reading to her grandchildren, making their favorite treats, or rocking them to sleep. There was nothing she would not have done for her kids and grandkids.

Karen’s legacy will live on through the people she touched. Her influence will continue to spread through acts of kindness, empathy, and love. We are grateful for the amazing person she was and the love she gave us.

The family will be hosting a private remembrance ceremony but welcome messages of memories about Karen on this website or sent privately to RememberingKarenGrimes@gmail.…. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or The National MS Society in Karen’s name.

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