Karen M Holbert
"The Lord is my Savior, Open your heart unto him today and always"
Karen M Holbert of Freeport went home to her Savior after fighting a courageous battle with several cancers on February 16, 2008 surrounded by family and friends. She was born April 08, 1951 to James C. Carrington and Illa Lucille (Willstead) Carrington at Amboy Illinois. She graduated from Amboy High School in 1969 and from the Freeport Memorial School of Nursing in 1972. Upon receiving her RN license she dedicated her life to the Nursing Profession and helping others. She married Stephen L Holbert on March 23, 1974 in Freeport, where they made their home.
She is survived by her husband Stephen; two children; Craig (Crystal) Holbert of Cedarville, Rebecca Holbert of Freeport; four grand children Darrin & Kaide Holbert, Cierra & Myah Mathews; her mother, Lucille Carrington of Dixon; her brother John (Sandy) Carrington of Dixon; her sisters Carol (Roger) Corning of Dixon, Linda (Scott) Campbell of Oregon; six nieces Mary (Andrew) Oros, Kelly (Roy) Lohse, , Sara Campbell, Casey Campbell, Miranda Holbert, and Laura Corning Taylor; and seven nephews Eric (Kelly) Campbell, Steven Campbell, Adam Carrington, Jacob Holbert, Zachary Holbert, Marty Holbert, and Doug (Tracey) Corning. She was preceded in death by her father, James and a nephew, John Jr.
After being diagnosis with caner in 2004 Karen was unable to continue her nursing profession, which troubled her as she loved her profession and her patients. However, as a patient herself she was able to use her nursing skills, compassion, and strong faith to help other patients deal with the trials they faced. After interacting with someone in their time of struggle, or someone would offer her compassion in her time of struggle, she would often comment "It was meant to be" going back to her strong belief in God. During these battles she formed many strong friendships. She will truly miss her friends as much as they will miss her.
Karen enjoyed the time she spent with her grandchildren and did not let her illness prevent the development of many positive memories. She continued to be very active with her family and in February 2007 the family went to Walt Disney World. She was determined to complete projects so her family would have those positive memories she felt would be so important in the future. With the help of friends she learned scrap booking and created custom made cards, scrap books, and was continually handing out small items to people who needed their day brightened. She enjoyed making her famous sugar cookies and caramels, then taking them to her treatments, medical appointments and giving them away to cheer up someone else's day. She also enjoyed sitting in the four season room of her home and reflecting on God's many blessings as she enjoyed the beautiful view.
Funeral services will be Thursday 10 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church with the Very Reverend Mother Mary Hill officiating.
Visitation will be Wednesday 4 to 7 p.m. at Walker Mortuary.
After the funeral service cremations rites will be accorded and her cremated remains will be entombed in the columbarium at Grace Episcopal Church.
A memorial has been established in her name.
Karen's family invites friends to extend condolences, share a memory, or light a candle in her honor at www.walkermortuary.com.