Karen Buniston

KAREN BUNISTON KOKOMO, IN
Karen Burniston, age 68 lived life fully until her heart quit taking care of her Saturday, March 8, 2008 in sunny Florida. As in life, friends were near her during her final weeks and months of struggling to get better so she could get out on the links for a few more rounds of golf. Karen was the first child of Bette (Ambler) and George Burniston born May 20, 1939 in Hammond, Indiana. Her parents and brother, Jack, preceded her in death. Her youngest brother and friend, Jeff, survives in Kokomo, Indiana. Karen reveled in the lives of her extended family, God-daughter, Denise Nesbitt and her husband Jared, along with their two darling children, Karis and Cameron, meant the world to Karen. She also held her many friends in as close relationship as if they were the sisters she didn't have, Pat More, Sister Clarise Winter, Sister Marty McEntee, Verdia Parke, Iris Nelson, Nina Quigley and Teresa Peters were but a few of the friends with whom Karen shared her life. Golf was a passion for Karen, not because she was a great golfer, but because she loved the game. She thoroughly enjoyed being with her friends for an afternoon of golf, it was as much an excuse to be with them as it was to hone her skills at the game. In addition to golf, Karen enjoyed quilting and some serious fishing , when she wasn't gardening, cooking or traveling. Karen's professional history is extensive: she achieved the rank of Captain while serving as an RN in the Air Force during the Viet Nam Conflict, she held executive posts at St. Margaret Hospital in Hammond, Indiana, St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, Indiana and retired as Vice-President of Nursing from St. Joseph Hospital in Kokomo, Indiana. While serving at St. Joseph Hospital, Karen offered not only her historical perspective of nursing through the years, but truly worked to be an effective mentor for young nurses entering the field. She was passionate about high standards and helping create an atmosphere for leadership in healthcare. Karen was a member and past president of the Indiana Organization of Nurse Executives. Her volunteer efforts could be seen throughout the Kokomo community. She served on various committees within her home church, the First Christian Church. Karen also served on the Development Council for the Sisters of St. Joseph where she used her passion for golf to help organize the annual Nun Open Golf Tournament. Additionally, she offered her time to The Clinic of Hope. Karen had a big heart, not a healthy physical heart these last years, but a spiritual heart that embraced life and it's many challenges. Karen's love of God, church and family inspired her to be a presence in the life of many. Her sense of humor brought laughter into the lives of others, just to hear her say one more time, "Lord love a duck!" would be a gift. To say Karen will be missed can't possibly convey the hole she leaves in the lives of many who knew and loved her. Hers was a life well lived . . . she ran the race, fought the good fight and heaven is her home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 14, 2008 at First Christian Church, Malfalfa Road at SR 22, with Pastor Will Jewsbury officiating. Friends are invited to call from 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, Lincoln Road Chapel, 1315 West Lincoln Road and one hour prior to the service at the church. In Hammond, Indiana, burial will follow a graveside service held on Friday at 3:00 p.m. EST in Elmwood Cemetery. Messages of condolence may be left online at: www.shirleyandstout.com