Karen L. Hoblet

1954 - 2025

Karen L. Hoblet

11/24/1954 - 8/23/2025

Karen Linda Hoblet, PhD., M.S.N., RN, of Perrysburg, Ohio, died at Hospice of Northwest Ohio on August 23, 2025, after a two-year battle with breast cancer.

Karen was born in Toledo, Ohio, on November 24, 1954, to Jack and Kathrine Meyers (Hathaway) and was the youngest of three children. She graduated from Maumee school in 1973.

Karen was a nurse and educator. She devoted her career to supporting family, friends, and patients, and is recognized for her many contributions to the community.

Karen began her nursing career as a Licensed Practical Nurse at St. Lukes Hospital and worked subsequently at the Lucas County Jail, St. Vincent Medical Center, and St. Charles Hospital. She studied to become a Registered Nurse and progressed to roles in acute care, administration, occupational health, and supply chain management.

A lifelong learner, Karen pursued her goals with unyielding determination. After earning her master's degree in nursing, she began her PhD studies once both of her sons started college. In 2014, Karen attained full professorship in the College of Nursing at UTMC, a testament to her passion for education and commitment to excellence.

Karen worked in the nursing profession for forty-eight years, leaving an indelible mark. Her career encompassed diverse roles in acute care, long-term care, corrections, occupational health, administration, education, and advocacy. She held positions at Owens Corning and subsequently spent five years with ProMedica before joining the University of Toledo Medical Center, where she dedicated nineteen years and made significant contributions. As Director of the Graduate-Entry M.S.N. Program and an admired professor, she shaped the next generation of nurses with her expertise and compassion. She participated in the faculty senate, led as Faculty Club President, and contributed to numerous university and college committees.

Karen's work included involvement in social topics such as human trafficking, community violence, and leadership. Her published work showed her dedication to creating meaningful changes. She was a board member of the Northwest Ohio Nurses Association, Advocating Opportunities (AO), and The Avalon Foundation. Her achievements include receiving the Dr. James Hampton Outstanding Teaching Award in 2015, being named one of Toledo's Top Nurses in 2016, earning entry into the International Nursing Association as a Worldwide Leader in Healthcare that same year, and being honored with the Prism Award in 2017. In 2022, she was presented with The Alice H. Skeen Outstanding University Woman Award for her exceptional contributions and accomplishments.

Karen and Vaughn A. Hoblet, Sr. were married in the Old West End in March 1976 following a spirited courtship. Together, they built a life in Perrysburg with their two sons, Vaughn Jr. and Douglas. They first lived on East Second Street in downtown Perrysburg before settling into "The Lodge" on River Road, their wooded retreat.

Karen and Vaughn enjoyed many happy moments together, including time at their farm near Bucyrus, Ohio, cheering on the Buckeyes, celebrating holidays, caring for their Labrador retrievers, and traveling across the U.S. and British Isles.

Karen treasured her grandchildren: William, Scarlett, Harrison, and Avalon. Known for her thoughtful gifts and vibrant holiday traditions-including train trips to Chicago, the pickle ornament hunt, and "cookie day"-Karen's love language was gift-giving and spending time with loved ones.

The Lodge also accommodated the family's pets, including their pups (Blanche, Poe, Frank, Cole, Buck, and Doc) as well as their cats (Walter, Miss C., and Rosemary), who contributed to an active and engaging life.

Preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Claire, Karen is survived by her husband, Vaughn; sons, Vaughn Jr. (Caitlin) and Douglas (Deborah Ayres); grandchildren, William, Scarlett, Harrison, and Avalon; brother, Paul (Toni) Meyers; sister, Catheryn Troiano; and numerous incredible nieces and nephews, godchildren, in-laws, and close friends.

Karen impacted everyone she met through her compassion and intelligence, influencing family, friends, colleagues, and students. We encourage you to gather with others who knew her and share a "toddy" in her honor- an Old Grand Dad & diet coke, a cosmopolitan, a G&T – or whatever spirit moves you.

Karen's family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their professionalism, kindness and support.

A Celebration of Life will be held later. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Karen Hoblet Scholarship for Nursing Students at the University of Toledo Foundation, Advocating Opportunity (AdvocatingOpportunity.com), Hospice of Northwest Ohio (HospiceNWO.org), or The Avalon Foundation (kc4k.us).