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KAREN NELSON Obituary

Karen S. Nelson, nee Sharff, age 70; retired Spanish teacher at Lyons Township High School, LaGrange; beloved wife of Kenneth; loving mother of Donna (Brian) Gibbons and Debra Itzkowitz; proud grandmother of Colin, Miranda, and Owen Gibbons; dear sister of Jerome "Jerry" Sharff. Service Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, 10:30 a.m. at the Westlawn Cemetery Chapel, 7801 W. Montrose Ave., Norridge, with interment to follow. Contributions may be made to Carcinoid Cancer Foundation, 333 Mamorneck Ave., #492, White Plains, NY 10605; 1888-722-3132, www.carcinoid.org. Directed by Lakeshore Jewish Funerals, Gregory J. Lindeman, director, 773-435-1558.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Oct. 15, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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Brenda Cruz-Fletcher

October 10, 2019

How could I EVER forget you, YOU became my guide, my voice, my sanity When being diagnosed with the unknown. Your words laughter and strength did me great... My Sweet Karencita in 5 months after meeting you, You became MY ANGEL what saddens me is that I never got a chance to hug you. Until we meet again I will always cherish your memory

Nancy Gawron

January 17, 2013

Ken and family
I just got your note and learned of Karen's passing.
I wish I would have known earlier. You know we would have gone to her memorial service. Our memories of Karen are Golden. We used to have such fun playing volleyball and croquet in the back yard and having the fish fries. Her smile and warm laugh will be greatly missed.
Love, Nancy & Geroge Gawron

October 23, 2012

To Ken,and the rest of the family,
My wife and I had the honor of meeting Karen at the Hope Lodge in New Orleans in September of 2011. I just had over 90 tumors removed, a bowel resection, and lost my gallbladder and my wife went through what a spouse goes through when an 8 hour surgery is done on her husband.
While recovering in the Hope Lodge, we heard another NOID was there. Someone led us to the vibrant woman with all the "zebra stuff." Karen was only there a couple days, but she spent time with us and was a treasure of information. She also made it a point to go out of her way to say goodbye to us, and of course we kept in touch via email, and she shared information and advice which I took and am taking.
Her memory will always remain in our hearts.
Love and prayers from
Jim and Debbie Sulkowski

October 21, 2012

Karen, my dear friend, what an incredibly special person you were. I am using your zebra notebook and I am using your zebra umbrella, and I am using your zebra purse.
You have left an indelible and luminous stamp on my heart and on my psyche.
My deepest condolences to Ken and all the family.
Love from Maureen Coleman

Sheri Gilley

October 20, 2012

See http://privatesheri.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-zebra-on-coffin-karen-s-nelson.html for a tribute I wrote after Karen's funeral. My heart and prayers are with you.

Learn what Judaism says about Death and mourning www.Jewishmansfield.com/LifeToLife

Rabbi Yossi and Tzivi Kivman and family

October 19, 2012

To Donna and the entire family
May G-d console you on the loss of your Mom/Wife/Grandma - among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Melody Majewski

October 18, 2012

God bless your family.

Ron Muhlenbruck

October 18, 2012

I enjoyed Karen on FB with the carcinoid family of friends. I'm so sorry for the loss and my prayers are with you. Even though we are miles apart, the Carcinoid page made us seem closer. She is at peace and her sharing will always be remembered by the rest of us Zebras. God bless!

Joe & Cheryl Loch

October 18, 2012

We met Karen at the Wellness House, we will miss her
greatly. She was a great inspiration to us all. Our loving memory of her will always be with us. We will love her and
miss her always.

October 18, 2012

I never met Karen but we were there for each other as online friends in the ACOR Support Group. She frequently sent me beautiful music, art and Jewish jokes when I needed cheering up and I was always struck by what a special lady she was; always seeing the beauty in the world. She was one of the most positive people I have known; always there for others even when facing very difficult health decisions herself. She loved her family and friends so much. May you be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. Debbie Stern

Judy Minor

October 17, 2012

Dear Ken and family. I'm so sorry that I had to miss her special birthday party last month. I will never forgive myself for not taking the time to call her but she would understand that the treatment was making me sick. I loved when we dressed in our Zebra things. Our support group will never be the same for me.

Joseph & Lorraine Majerick

October 17, 2012

Ken, We were so sorry to hear of karen's
passing, she was a special special person and will be missed by all her friends in the support group. Our hearts go out to you in your loss. God bless you

Gerald Landy

October 17, 2012

Ken and Jerry
I just walked into the office and Cathryn told me about Karen. I do want to be with you. Your wife and sister brought a life force with her. Her smile was infectous. I will miss her and think of that smile and laugh. A big hug to both of you.
Love
Gerry and Marilyn

October 17, 2012

Ken and Jerry
I just walked into the office and cathryn told me. I of course wish I had known to give you both a big hug. Your wife and sister always brought a joy to whoever was around her. I can still feel that infectious smile of hers. I will keep her up spirit in mind. What a love. Hope to see you both soon.
love
gerry and of course marilyn

Queen Teague

October 16, 2012

Karen provided our group at Wellness House with so much - love, hope, information, joy and so much more. She was always a bright ray of sunshine at our meetings no matter what might be might be going on with her health. I will miss her very much.

Sheri Gilley

October 16, 2012

Karen brought joy and laughter to our carcinoid support group. May her memory be a blessing for us all.

October 16, 2012

Donna:
May your beautiful mom rest in peace as her spirit is always within you.
Love Gail & Mike

Beth Paxton

October 16, 2012

Debbie,
I am so sorry to learn of your mother's passing. I vividly remember her and the visits we had when you and Emily were in Lincoln school. So much time has passed but you still are in my thoughts. I hope that your memories of your mother will help you smile as time passes. I will keep you in my thoughts.

Lynette Harrison

October 16, 2012

Thank you Karen for all your support from the other side of the world. You helped me through the hardest times. You will be missed. Blessings and Peace

Emily Paxton

October 16, 2012

Debbie,

I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I have such fond memories of the times I spent at your house growing up and our road trip to visit her during college. She was an incredible lady and I know that she will be missed

linda zimmerman

October 16, 2012

Karen and I grew up together, went to Gale School and Sullivan High School. She was always warm, gentle, caring, and interested in everyone. We did so many things together in our early years and spent time at the JCC, the beach, the Howard Bowling Alley, and the movies on Howard Street. It was a wonderful childhood. In later years, Karen grew to be a wise and caring friend to all she knew. She will certainly be missed.

Ginny

October 16, 2012

Knowing Karen enriched my life! Remember all the wonderful times,Ken.

Krista, Mike, Elicia and Al Meyer

October 15, 2012

Karen you started as a tutor and quickly turned into a friend. We will miss your great sense of humor, we know that people like you are rare in life and we were blessed to know you. With our deepest condolences to your husband Ken, who you always spoke so lovingly of, your children and grandchildren and the rest of your family during this very difficult time.

One of your Heroes & a gal that loved you. Dr.Wang & I

Brenda Cruz-Fletcher

October 15, 2012

Karen reached my Heart & Soul in no time. I just met this Angel whom I Called Mom because she shared my moms age & Birth date by one day & she Loved it because she was a very nurturing Human being.
To her husband & children You've been blessed to have had her a life time. I was blessed to have meet her when I did, because she was my Angel in life as she is now my Angel now that she's parted.
The words I LOVE YOU became so easy to say to her, I didn't have the chance to say good bye to my Sweet Karencita but she knows my heart will love her for Always until that day I can give her a loving embrace.
"Karen my Loving Angel be at peace & continue to be my guide"

Lucy and Gale Wiley

Lucy & Gale Wiley

October 15, 2012

Karen, you were a pixie with an elephant's heart. we will never forget the many things you taught us, both by word and example.

Donna & John Pendasulo

October 15, 2012

Karen and I had been friends for 5 years. We met in NOLA and shared the same disease. Sat with her and Ken at the conference last month. She will be deeply missed.

October 15, 2012

Karen, you were an incredible woman and formidable force against the neuroendocrine fight...you helped my family so much...we know you will be in our corner from above...we love you dearly and will miss you!...the Connicks, New Orleans

Janet Burnett

October 15, 2012

To the family, my deepest sympathy. I was blessed to have Karen brighten my life. I will treasure the moments with her, the way we laughed and hugged on the street in New Orleans when we realized how much we had in common. I'll miss her so. Take heart in knowing the Karen walked this planet as an angel of light, brightening the path of everyone she met.

Susan and David Connick

October 15, 2012

Karen,

We were truly blessed to have known you. You were a great inspiration - a source of knowledge and compassion. We are thankful for your companionship over the years since we joined the Carcinoid "family." Our prayers will continue for Ken, your daughters and entire family.

Lu Valesh

October 15, 2012

God Bless Karen, my dear friend. You made a positive difference to many of us.

October 15, 2012

May your soul rest peacefully knowing there's no more pain. Sincerely, Tish Spotts, Leander TX - Hindgut Tumor Patient

October 15, 2012

I have knew Karen for only 8 months when I joined the Carcinoid Support group. She immediately made an impression on me. She was so knowledgeable about Carcinoid treatment options, tests and specialists. Recently at the Carcinoid Conference she was encouraging me to get a second opinion which I arranged as soon as I came home. I valued her opinion and am very lucky to have met her. I will never forget her enthusiasm and positive attitude. She stayed so strong through so much adversity. God bless her and he entire family during this difficult time.

Janet Medhat

Anna Haslam

October 15, 2012

You were a brave Zebra Warrior, as well as a wonderful inspiration to the rest of we Zebras. My thoughts and condolences to your loved ones. Thank you sweet Karen, for always inspiring and supporting us despite your own illness.

Lynn Giudici

October 15, 2012

Karen helped me so much. My deepest condolences to Ken and family. She is remembered with a great deal of love and admiration.

Silvia Steinhilber

October 15, 2012

Wishing peace for the family and sending condolences for your great loss.
Love,

Jude Filler Gray Blanchard

October 15, 2012

Ken and daughters, Karen loved us all so much! If we, who were merely friends and colleagues, are devastated by her death -- and we are -- we can only imagine what it feels like to be without that warmth that was a constant from her. We are so happy you had the good fortune to be Karen's. We were delighted to know her; it was one of the best gifts from this )(&@#$&)_)!!! disease to get to travel the path with Karen. We know that with the passing of time, she will return to you in the memories of the fine moments. We are sorry for the pain now. Gray Blanchard and Jude Filler, Austin Texas

October 15, 2012

Karen
Rest in pease.

Fellow "noid"
Don Downing

Katie Adams

October 15, 2012

My Dear Karen,
You are such a positive inspiration for all of us Zebras. That is something i will take with me forever. I have learned a lot from you through this journey and you will be missed more then you can imagine. To Karens family. I am truly sorry for your loss, for it is you all that loved her most. Your Karen was an amazing women and I am proud to have known her.
With deepest sympathy and condolences,
~Katie

Lesley & Ronnie Compton

October 15, 2012

Ken
Our heart and prayers go out to you and the rest of your family.

Peggy Diclemente

October 15, 2012

We send our condolence to the family and friends.May the family take comfort in Knowing how many hearts karen touched throughout her life.

Laura Bell

October 15, 2012

Ken I'm so sorry for your great loss. I'm praying for all the family.
Laura bell (Alabama)

Natalie Davidson

October 15, 2012

My condolences to the family. Debbie was my friend when the family lived in Jamaica many years ago.

Kim Darrow

October 15, 2012

My Dear Friend Karen.. I love our friendship, thank you for being such a good mentor and for setting an example of strength and empowerment for our support group. I will miss our IM sessions and late night e-mails... XXOO -Kim

Morella Espinel

October 15, 2012

May it bring you solace to know how many lives have been deeply touched by Karen. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Karencita will always remain in our hearts and memories!

james spillane

October 15, 2012

Dear Family of Karen, May your sorrow be fleeting. She fought a hell of a fight against this insidious disease.

Patricia McCoy

October 15, 2012

A very dear friend to John and I for many years. She and John shared a special closeness and spent many hours comparing notes on their carcinoid journey. They were there for me when I was alone in New Orleans when he passed away and at his memorial service back in Indiana. I shall never forget her kindness nor the wonderful man, Ken, to whom she was married. He never left her side and I know how much he'll miss her. To her children and grandchildren...I wish you peace and to be comforted by all the love your mother/grandmother shared with others. Rest in Peace Karen.

A beautiful rose for a beautiful spirit...

Kimberly Webb-Gibson

October 15, 2012

God Bless you as you rest in heaven Karen, and may HE provide your family and friends comfort and fond memories. You are in the arms of the angels. With continued thoughts and prayers,
Kimberly Webb-Gibson and Family
Indianapolis, IN

rebecca hibbard

October 15, 2012

Karen was a lovely lady and im so sad to know she has passed she fought carcinoid till the end and was very brave to have gone such misery. I wish love and comfort to all her family at this sad time May Lord look after karen and comfort her family Lots of love rebecca xxx

Ana Maria Ghisilieri

October 15, 2012

I am going to miss you!!love you from Lima Peru South America

Pamela ter Gast

October 15, 2012

She was a valiant fighter..full of grace...humor ...and class...Karen will be missed..but NEVER forgotten
Enjoy your well deserved rest, you honorable Zebra! <3 Pam

Maria Gonzalez

October 15, 2012

I am so happy to have shared a portion of my life with you. I fell in love with you as a good and solid friend when you reached out to me.
I will miss our talks, late into the night, our jokes, our laughter, your wise words to me about who to know and who to stay away from.
There will never be another like you and I feel blessed that you chose to grace my life. Goodbye sweet Karencita, vaya con Dios.
I carry you in my heart. I will always love you; unique in so many way, special, kind, you touched so many.
Ken knows you are with him.

pat risch

October 15, 2012

Karen you will be grately missed, not just as a mother, wife, friend, and a Zebra Friend. As you went through your journey of this cancer, it was hard, painful, and lots of ups and downs. You are now in the hands of the Lord, and as an angel you will look upon all your other family and friends. We all loved you Karen, now R I P. A carcinoid friend in Cincinnati Ohio Pat Risch

LISA BUCKINGHAM

October 15, 2012

KAREN THANK YOU FOR BEING MY FRIEND .YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL ANGEL NOW. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. LOVE LISA BUCKINGHAM. NEWPORT.OREGON

Susan Anderson

October 15, 2012

My heart goes out to all of Karen's family! Karen and I were e-mail friends for many years! We all shall miss her very much. With Hugs and Love, Sunny Susan Anderson in AZ

kelley ladwig

October 15, 2012

I only knew her thru the zone but I know I will miss her. Its hard becuz she is the first person I knew who has passed. I keep ur in my prayers and am very sorry for ur lose.

Donna and Peter Paul

October 15, 2012

Dear Sharff-Nelson Family
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.
Karen was beautiful inside and out. She was one of the bravest women we knew.
May she remain forever in your hearts.

October 15, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. Karen was a dear friend who will be missed by all. Barbara White Shellist Houston, TX

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