Karen Yvonne Ralston

Wife, Mom, Grandma, Great-grandma, Friend, Cardiovascular “Heart” Nurse, Cat lover, Crafter, Quilter………..

Karen graced this world on February 22, 1948. She celebrated her 76th birthday 1 week before her death. Ironically, Karen died on HER mother’s birthday.

Karen was born in Reading, Pennsylvania to Ralph and Rosemary Reifsnyder. She died from multiple, complicated illnesses - Kidney Failure, COPD, elevated liver enzymes, infected gallbladder, atrial fibrillation, pneumonia, more.................... resulting in sepsis shock.

Karen and her siblings (Faith, Carl, twins, Diane and David) were raised by their mother and grandparents. Karen is a proud alumni of Blue Mountain Academy, Class of 1966 and remained close to her classmates all of her life. She was a long time, good friend to many people in her life.

After graduation, Karen studied medicine to become a doctor. It was postponed when she met and married Raymond Ralston. Until they were in school, Karen chose to stay home to raise her 3 children; Wendy (Frank) Mattison, Raymond Ward, and Jessica (Austin) Hough.

In the early 1970s, Karen returned to the workforce. Her husband stayed home to raise the children. As a family they moved often and eventually moved to Illinois. When illness came into the family, Karen returned to college and became a highly achieving, highly acclaimed Cardiovascular Nurse at Loyola. However, Karen never stopped teaching or helping others.

After her husband’s death and when there were no kids left in the house, Karen rescued cats. There were many cats in her homes, and all had names that started with the letter “L”. This was non-negotiable.....................

After retiring from nursing, Karen discovered her creative skills in sewing, crafting and quilting. She was the owner of Grandma Karen Originals, whose slogan reverberated Karen’s own life, “Handmade Today, Treasured Tomorrow”. She will always be treasured.

Karen’s passions were her family, 8 grandchildren; Angela (Mike), Andrew, Austin, Kyle, Connor, Madelyn, Mareena, Therryon and 2 great grandchildren, Eric and Piper.

Proceeding her in death are her husband, her grandparents, parents, some of her younger siblings, and many cats, especially her dear cat Libby.

Karen’s final arrangements and celebration of her life

* Saturday, March 16, 2024

Narthex Wake: 10am - 11am

Funeral Mass: 11am - Noon

* Location: Saint Alphonsus Liguori Church

411 North Wheeling Road

Prospect Heights, IL. 60070

There will be a private burial at a later date.

In memory of Karen, please either, make a donation to your local cat rescue, or your local food pantry or a medical teaching hospital or the Sepsis Alliance Foundation.

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