Karen L Hamer

Karen Linea Strid Hamer, RN, died peacefully on December 6, 2024. Karen brought joy to her family when she was born on March 26, 1940. She was the third child of Jean and Stanley Strid who are now deceased. She happily joined her sons Michael and Ray Ray Hamer in Heaven. She leaves behind her beautiful red headed daughter Kristine Vandermark (Doug) and her Godson Little Tony Marine. Karen was very vocal in her love and pride for her grandchildren. James Vandermark (Caitlin) and Kara Ociepka (Brian) both followed in her footsteps and became Registered Nurses. Being a grandmother brought her so much joy. She loved her great grandchildren: Charlotte, Oliver, and Axel. Family was important to Karen. She loved her all siblings. She is preceded in death by Phillip Wilson, Stellan Strid, Janet McNeil (Gary). And she is remembered dearly by: Vivian Marine (Tony), Kippy Wilson (Amy), Bruce Wilson (Margie), Bonnie Nelson (Tom), and beloved nieces and nephews. Karen was a proud graduate of Michael Reese Hospital Medical Center, class of February 1961. She dedicated her life to geriatric and psychiatric nursing. She worked for 55 years in the career that brought her so much happiness and love. She was a career woman before her time. She dedicated her life to helping others, and she touched many lives. She was an animal lover and was a mama to any stray cat that needed love. She is reunited with her beloved cats Lightning, Dotto, Big Foot, Roise, KK, and the other 40. Karen will be greatly missed. She will be remembered as a selfless, hardworking, strong woman that was so proud of her nursing career. She loved her family greatly. Karen always helped anyone that needed it. She was always reading, dancing and singing, bringing joy to everyone she met. She made friends everywhere she went. The visitation will be on December 28th at Hacks Funeral Home in Beecher IL at 10 am. Memorial service will follow at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to PAWS, Alzheimer’s Association, or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.