Karen Nicholson Paine

Karen Nicholson Paine, M.D., 61, of Raleigh died July 18, 2007 at Rex Hospital of cancer. She was born in New York City, July 7, 1946 to parents John and Ingeborg Nicholson. Karen grew up in Groton, CT and Roslyn Harbor, NY, where she developed her life-long love of sailing and especially sail racing. She first crewed for her father at age six, later sailed her own boat, and earned her last racing trophy crewing for her brother Paul just before her 60th birthday. She had many other interests that she shared with a multitude of friends, and was a noted devotee of her three cats. She was an honors graduate of North Shore High School, Glen Head, NY in 1964 and the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY in 1968. Her medical education was obtained at New York University School of Medicine from which she graduated in 1971. Karen enthusiastically loved practicing medicine and did so in several locations, most recently at First Choice Family Healthcare in Raleigh, which was a workplace and staff she held very dear. She had also volunteered for many years as a physician at The Healing Place in Raleigh.
She was preceded in death by her son, Joshua Adam Hewett and Joshua's father, Jack Hewett of Shallotte; her father, John Nicholson of Cary.
She is survived by her mother, Ingeborg Nicholson of Cary and siblings, Denise Schlesinger of Roseville, MN, Paul Nicholson of Durham, Bruce Nicholson of Cary; and many other family and dear friends.
The family would especially like to thank the nursing staffs of Rex Hospital Oncology Unit and Hospice Unit. They also greatly appreciate the warm caring medical care provided to Karen by Dr. Roy Cromartie and his associates at the Cancer Centers of North Carolina and Dr. Lewis Stocks of Stocks Surgical Center.
Karen wishes you to consider, in lieu of flowers, remembering her with donations to The Healing Place of Wake County 1251 Goode St. Raleigh, NC 27603, or to the charity of your choice.
The family will hold a memorial service for Karen soon. Additional information, including the time and date of the memorial service, can be found at www.karenpainememorial.blogspot.com