In Memory
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Karen Sue Kelly
June 14, 1945 - February 11, 2026
Karen Sue Kelly, age 80 of Valparaiso, formerly of LaCrosse and South Bend, Indiana passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
Karen was born on June 14, 1945 in South Bend, Indiana, the daughter of Delbert [Earl Kelly] and Anne Mae [Kelly] Garwood (nee Eller).
Karen is survived by her three children: Jimmy Gross, Angenette Gross, and Kelly (Lindsay Kurahara) Gross; three grandchildren, Hunter (fiance Tara Kelly) Gross, Hayley Gross, and Indie Kurahara-Gross; brother, Charles "Chuck" Kelly; and her nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents: Delbert and Anne; and brother, David Maheon Kelly.
Karen was born and raised in South Bend, where she was a graduate of Riley High School, Class of 1963. She then continued her education at South Bend Memorial School of Nursing. After graduation she began her lifelong nursing career at Porter Memorial Hospital in Valparaiso in the NICU. For much of her life, Karen impacted countless people as a very compassionate and dedicated NICU nurse before she retired in 2004.
In her spare time, she sang with the Sweet Adeline's Chorus group and volunteered at the Valparaiso 1st Presbyterian Retail Shop. Karen enjoyed traveling, going out to eat, and attending plays and shows with her friends.
"Grammie" especially loved spending time with her grandkids, spoiling them as she should.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geisen Funeral, Cremation & Reception Centre in Crown Point, IN. A Celebration of Karen's life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Karen's name to a charity of one's choice.
Visit Karen's online guestbook at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com 219-663-2500.
02/13/2026 djb
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