Karen T. Green, RN, BSN, TNS, CEN, nee Thomas, 79, of Fairview Heights, IL, born Friday, September 17, 1943, in Devon, CT, passed away Saturday, December 10, 2022 at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, MO.
Karen worked as a Registered Nurse at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville, IL (1981-2002). Initially she worked in medical/surgery and telemetry, but found her true vocation as a staff nurse in the Emergency Room where she worked for 21 years at “St. E’s” and 3 years at Barnes-Jewish. Continuing to hone her nursing skills, she was a certified Trauma Nurse Specialist and held Certification in Emergency Nursing, with additional education focused on Pediatric Advanced Cardiac, Trauma, and Life Support and Pediatric Emergency Nursing.
She was a member of Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society, Emergency Nurses’ Association, American Holistic Nurses’ Association, and Healing Touch International.
Karen loved the outdoors. She spent much of her free time cultivating multi-seasonal gardens of rose bushes, lilies, iris, and more that encircled her entire yard. She loved to cross country ski, take long bike rides, and hike the paths of Pere Marquette State Park. Every year, she loved to watch the eagles nest and raise their young along the Great River Road. She felt a special affinity for the ocean and would visit destinations like Hawaii, Clearwater Beach, Carmel-by-the-sea, and coastal Oregon whenever she could. Her whole life, she had a passion for the arts, both fine (painting and sculpture) and popular (music).
Karen loved being a mother. She said that when she was a young girl imagining her life, she dreamed of having three boys, and she did. She and Jay felt a good education was crucial and sacrificed to educate their boys in good schools, encouraging them to learn all they could and to dream big. Karen was endlessly curious about child development, the brain, and how the mind works. She was always interested in world affairs and politics, and remarked in another life she’d want to be in the foreign service. In retirement she became a wide-ranging movie buff and could discuss the whole filmography of French avant garde directors as well as the newest Disney animated feature. She loved to cook, and as she got older was constantly trying new recipes. In her later years, she could be found on the floor playing with blocks or reading to her grandchildren, whom she loved more than anything.
Karen T. Green was preceded in death by her:
- Husband:
- Jay Allan Green
- Parents:
- Glenn and Matilda (nee Bagdy) Thomas
Surviving are her:
- Sons:
- Patrick (Laura) Green of Portland, OR
- Matthew (Catherine) Green of Woodside, CA
- Jason (Terri) Green of St. Louis, MO
- Grandchildren:
- Miriam Green
- Stella Green
- Hugo Green
- Alexander Green
- Sister, Linda Thomas of Leverett, MA
- Brother, Norman Meade (Julia) of Bethesda, MD
- Nieces:
- Erin
- Caitlin
- Rachel
- Sarah
- Nephew, Elliot
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
Services: Karen requested cremation and that no funeral be held. A small memorial for the family may be held in the future.
1 Comment To "Karen T. Green"
#1 Comment By Lekshe Tamang On December 18, 2022 @ 11:57 am
I am a long-time colleague of Karen’s son, Patrick. He is a smart, empowered man whose whole life has been dedicated to the welfare of others. The same could be said of his wife, Laura. As a parent, I like to think some of Partick’s may have had quite a bit to do with his mother. Please accept my condolences for the loss of your dear mom. Surely she will be missed, and yet will be fondly remembered for her many contributions and lively spirit. Much love to you all in this time of sorrow and transition.