Sandra "Karen" George

November 18, 2017

Service Details

Sandra “Karen” (Nash) George of Des Moines, IA, passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2017. She was born on February 24, 1938 in Peterson, IA; the daughter of the late Joseph Daniel Nash and Frances Elizabeth (Fleming) Nash.

Karen graduated from Des Moines Technical HS in 1956. She was married to Thomas J. George from 1957 to 1973, and together they had five daughters: Debbie, Barbe, Carol, Susan, and Linda.

Karen took great pride in her 30 year career in retail management, leadership, and customer relations. In addition to working full time, she lovingly raised and dutifully provided for her five daughters, keeping them not only focused on school, but encouraging them to participate in extracurricular activities. Throughout her life Karen remained a steadfast citizen and patron of the Southside.

Karen was a passionate learner who valued education. She enrolled at DMACC at the age of 60 to pursue a degree in graphic design, which she attained with honors. She was a voracious reader who could finish an entire novel in a single day, in addition to reading the newspaper and diligently keeping up with current events. Karen was extremely creative and enjoyed utilizing her artistic talents at every opportunity. As she did in high school, Karen also proudly served on her college yearbook committee.

Karen was an avid gardener, planting numerous varieties of flowers around her home. She loved all animals, especially her cats. Karen even fed squirrels by hand, on occasion. She would spend countless hours observing wildlife at Waterworks Park. Karen was always eager to take long car rides with her brother (John) or sister (Joyce), challenging them to break the record for who could spot the most deer, foxes, and turkeys. She had a great sense of humor, and a mischievous, quick wit.

Karen was known for her big heart and boundless generosity, which was often to the point of extravagance. Her kindness extended to praying the rosary daily for her loved ones. After her eldest daughter (Debbie) suffered a traumatic brain injury, Karen retired and became her devoted caretaker. She attended to Debbie’s every need for over seven years, rarely leaving her daughter’s side.

Preceded in death by her brother: John Nash; daughters: Deborah George and Barbara George. Survived by her sister: Joyce Stasi; daughters: Carol George, Susan George (who was Karen’s beloved caretaker), and Linda (Matthew Hill) George.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 27, 2017 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5711 SW 9th St., followed by burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens. The family will greet friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 26, 2017 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th St., with the rosary beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Karen’s family or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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