Obituary of Karen Grossman

Karen Grossman, age 75, of Minneapolis, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 20, 2020, at Walker-Methodist Care Suites. She had bravely endured ever-failing health over the last four years of her life but remained remarkably accepting of it and grateful for the love shown her by family, friends, and the caring staff of Walker-Methodist.
Karen was born on October 17, 1945, in Minneapolis, MN. She attended Roosevelt Senior High School; the University of Minnesota, earning a B.A. in English; taught school for one year; and then realized her true passion was caring for others. She returned to the University of Minnesota and earned her Nursing Certificate, and then began her 46-year nursing career. She was a Charge Nurse at Fairview Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital, and ended her esteemed career at Hennepin County Medical Center, concentrating on the care of those with psychiatric difficulties.
Karen lived a wonderfully full life with her family, many friends, and beloved pets, having an affinity for West Highland Terriers. She lived her life in Minneapolis, loving the hustle and bustle of the city, especially the arts and music. She relished seeing new places, and made a point to travel as much as possible to experience the world. She loved nature and relished the calmness and serenity it could and did provide at her beautiful retreat and astounding second home atop the St. Croix River bluffs in Taylor’s Falls, MN—"The Property”—, which she shared generously with family and friends.
All who had the good fortune to know Karen, whether for a few months or many years, experienced her deep care and concern for others, her kindness, generosity, and her unconditional love. We are grieving the loss of an extraordinary person, yet are comforted by the wonderful woman she was, experiences we shared with her, and memories of her that we will always hold dear in our hearts.
Karen is survived by her sister, Sharon McNamara-Ehlen of Spring Park, MN; brother, Michael McNamara (Cathy) of Bloomington, MN; sister, Kathy McNamara of Minnetonka, MN; Judd Grossman (Mary), children Esther and Isaac, of Jackson Hole, WY, the son of Burton Grossman; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnephews, and grandnieces. She was preceded in death by her father, John McNamara, her mother, Lucille McNamara, and former husband, Burton Grossman.
A special memorial is being planned to share memories of Karen and celebrate her life. The date, time, and location details (virtual) will be provided as soon as possible by a link posted at Cremation Society of Minnesota for Karen’s obituary. Her family is grateful for the outpouring of love and memories that have been shared with us. We will include as many of them as possible in our anticipated tribute memory book in honor of her remarkable life.