Karen Lee Van Petten

Karen Lee Van Petten was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and colleague. She passed quietly while she slept, on May 20, 2024, at the age of 68.

Karen was born to Wayne and Leona Dernoncourt on September 25, 1955 in Columbia, SC. The family eventually settled in Lynchburg, VA where Karen graduated from Brookeville High School. Following high school, she enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where she aspired to pursue a career as a member of the military police.

Karen separated from the USMC in 1975 and subsequently pursued a career in healthcare. Upon returning to Lynchburg in 1981, she attended nursing school at Lynchburg General Hospital and began what would become a 40-year career caring for others. While in Lynchburg, Karen met her husband, David Van Petten, at St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church where they were ultimately married and together, they raised 2 children: Jordan and Stephanie during their 37-year marriage.

Karen was committed to her family and friends, always willing to create delicious homecooked meals for family gatherings and parties with enough food to feed a small army. She was equally committed to her nursing career caring for patients in a variety of areas including Labor and Delivery, Emergency Room, and Operating Room with her years of service supporting childbirth being her favorite.

A funeral mass is scheduled for 11:00 AM on June 14, 2024 at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Virginia Beach, VA. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Princess Anne Courthouse Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department in Virginia Beach, VA at https://pachvrs.org/.