Karen F. Robinson

December 10, 2020

Karen Robinson, Nurse Practitioner and diehard Ohio State football fan, died unexpectedly on December 10, 2020 at her home in Elmer, NJ. Karen was a beloved and kind friend to many. Preceded in death by her father, John Robinson, Karen is survived by her mother, Catherine "Kitty" Robinson, 6 younger siblings: Kevin Robinson, Keith Robinson (Allison), Kathleen Stein (Jack), Kimberly Dean (Martin), Kyle Robinson (Rebecca) and Kelly Robinson (Kelli) and 17 nieces and nephews. As the eldest, Karen spent her teen years caring for her younger brothers and sisters, honing her gifts in caring for babies and children of all ages. Karen was a devoted aunt; her nieces and nephews suffer a great loss. Her siblings were blessed to have a “baby expert” on hand as they transitioned to the role of parents. Karen was a highly trained and passionate nurse practitioner who never stopped working to improve her capacity to serve children and families. She attained numerous specializations in neonatal and psychiatric care and worked for years to improve her Spanish so she could support all her patients fully. Karen loved teaching both in the classroom and supervising residents in the clinic and hospital. Karen was a woman of deep faith and took her passion for medical service on numerous medical missions in South America and India. She met Mother Theresa and outshined all her siblings in the eyes of her devout Irish grandmother when she had the opportunity to meet Pope John Paul. Karen retained lifelong relationships formed in her Catholic community in Akron Ohio where she completed her nursing degree. Dr. Salah, Pediatrician and friend shared his reflection: “I had the honor of employing Karen for nine short years, and I was inspired by her passion and capacity for loving and supporting the people around her. She was extremely patient, and went out of her way to save lives regardless of how tired she was. I watched her counsel patients through difficult times and often overextend herself to be in service of people in her care." "Many memories of her kindness and passion remain a testament to her exceptional personality. Just this past Thanksgiving, Karen sacrificed her holiday to cover for me so that I could go to Chicago to meet my first grandchild. She was tired and still fighting with her illness, but insisted on helping me anyway." "Another moment that I will never forget came when my only daughter was getting married. I needed her to cover the hospital for me, and instead of sitting the wedding out, she brought her scrubs with her in a bag in case she had to leave. She told me that she wanted to help me, but was unwilling to miss my daughter getting married." "She was constantly cheerful and positive, even in the worst of times. No matter how difficult things became, she held on to her beliefs, ethics, and morals every single day of her life. She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched.” Dr. Salah has established a fund in Karen’s name at the Temple Lung Center. Karen was in the process of seeking a lifesaving transplant. She was looking forward with hope to watching her beloved nieces and nephews grow up and continuing to care for those in need in her community. The Karen Robinson Lung Transplant Fund has been set up at Temple University Hospital. Anyone who would like to make a donation in her name can do so by visiting www.giving.temple.edu/supportTUH and typing ‘The Karen Robinson Lung Transplant Fund’ in the designations section. You may also make a check out to Temple Institutional Advancement and note that the donation is for The Karen Robinson Lung Transplant Fund, and mail it to P.O Box 827651, Philadelphia PA 19182-7651. A funeral mass will be held on June 4, 2021 at 1:30 PM at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 10895 Hamlin Blvd., Largo, FL 33774. An additional memorial will be held this summer to celebrate with her Bread of Life Community.