Obituary of Sr. Karen Wadsworth

Karen was born on December 25, 1922, the ninth child of twelve, to Katherine Marks and Charles Wadsworth, on a farm near Franklin, MN, and died at Johanna Shores, June 19, 2016 after a life she described as a “full, good and happy one!” After graduating from St. Mary’s High School, Bird Island, MN in 1940, she joined the Sisters of St. Joseph, received the religious habit 1941, made first vows in 1943 and final vows in 1948. For thirty years Sr. Karen taught and served as the principal in Catholic elementary schools in the Twin Cities, Grand Forks, ND, and Bird Island, MN. She served as Personnel Director for the Sisters of St. Joseph, St. Paul Province from 1976-1982. She became the Coordinator of the Provincial House Community and served as Pastoral Minister in the Cathedral Parish, and then became Field Supervisor for the Sisters Care program. Karen enjoyed travel in many U.S. states, included Alaska and Hawaii, and to England, Ireland and Chile, where she visited Sisters of St. Joseph and lay associates in ministry there. When she wasn’t working or traveling, she initiated family gatherings and always made time to knit, crochet, play cards, and above all read. She was preceded in death by parents, Katherine Marks and Charles Wadsworth, and all in a large blended family. She is survived by nieces Mary Narveson (Jon), Janet Nelson, and Laurie Long, nephews, Dan Majerus and William Wadsworth; cousin Valerie Husting; the Sisters of St. Joseph and Consociates, and caregivers at Carondelet Village and Johanna Shores. Mass of Christian Burial, 11AM Friday, June 24, preceded by visitation at 10AM in Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, 1884 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul with burial at Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights. Memorials to the Sisters of St. Joseph Ministries Foundation, 1884 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55015.