Karen Ann Heidorn

Karen Ann Heidorn, a cherished wife, mother, sister, Nana, and friend, known for her kind, loving, caring, and humorous personality, left us on 14 November 2024.

Karen was born 18 July 1955, in Biloxi, Mississippi. She was the oldest child of five, born to John Arthur Kelly, Sr. and Doris Ann Plaisance. Karen grew up in a military family, having homes in Europe and in the United States. The Kelly Family finally settled down in Petersburg, Virginia.

Karen graduated from Prince George High School, Virginia Tech University, and John Tyler College. She found her true calling as a wife, mother, Nana, and registered nurse. Karen lived a life filled with tremendous passion and service towards others. She embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love, strength of spirit, selflessness, and an unending generosity that could be seen in her care for her entire family, friends, and patients.

Karen married Martin Walter Heidorn on 20 October 1984. During their 40 year marriage they were blessed with two daughters and three beautiful grandchildren.

Karen is preceded in death by her mother, Doris Ann Plaisance; her father, John Arthur Kelly, Sr.; and her brother, John (Jacky) Arthur Kelly, Jr.

She is survived by her loving husband, Martin Walter Heidorn, of Chesterfield, Virginia; daughters, Kelly Michelle Heidorn (Andrew Kennieth Hibbs), of Colonial Heights, Virginia, and Lauren MacKenzie Heidorn, of Petersburg, Virginia; granddaughter, Ryleigh Marie Heidorn; and grandsons, Ryder Douglas Staley and Andrew Kennieth Hibbs, Jr. Also survived by her sisters, Barbara Kelly Nitz (Trevor), from Brussels, Belgium, and Kim Kelly Powers (James - Scooter), from Prince George, Virginia; and brother, Daniel John Kelly, from Palm Springs, California. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Larry Paul Heidorn and Peter Richard Gaydosh; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins, along with their families.

Karen was fearless and independent, yet sensitive and incredibly compassionate. She loved the beach, traveling, good music, and was a voracious reader. She was strong willed and sometimes stubborn, but those traits defined Karen. They were part of who she was, and her strength undoubtedly helped her deal with life's challenges.

Karen's departure leaves an unfillable void in the lives she touched, yet they will find comfort in the memories and everlasting love they shared. While our hearts mourn her loss, we take solace in knowing she is no longer suffering.

A Visitation is scheduled for Karen on Friday, 22 November 2024, at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

All of those she loved and touched deeply, please join us celebrating her life on Saturday, 23 November 2024, at 11 a.m., at Grace Lutheran Church, 13028 Harrowgate Road, Chester, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the National Kidney Foundation. (https://www.kidney.org/)