Birth date: Jul 5, 1951 Death date: Oct 11, 2024
Karen F. Nielsen (née Smith), 73, of Leesburg, VA, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2024, surrounded by her family. Born on July 5, 1951, in Brooklyn, NY, Karen spent most of her life on Long Island before retiring to Virgini Read Obituary
If you knew my mother, Karen, you likely thought of her as part of "Karen and Rick." Their love was always described as love at first sight. My father used to say, “I’ll love you forever and a day.” So, Mom, wherever you are, I hope today is your forever day. You always said, “I just want to fall asleep and wake up in your father’s arms,” and though it breaks my heart not to have you here, I find peace knowing you’re back with him.
As I write this on your 41st wedding anniversary, happy anniversary to you both. I love you.
One of my earliest memories is lying on that green carpet in the living room, wrapped in our green and white blanket, watching The Land Before Time until I fell asleep in your arms. You’d sing Diana Ross’s “If We Hold On Together,”, or we’d slow dance to “You Are So Beautiful,” and those moments are some of my most cherished.
Mom, you were always present—whether with us or your grandchildren. You moved from Long Island to be closer to them, giving up the familiar to build pillow forts and bake holiday cookies with them, even if it meant a messy kitchen.
You weren’t just a mother; you were a grandmother, a wife, a sister, and a friend. You were always there when someone needed you. A neighbor recently told me how you welcomed her into your home after she’d lost someone, made her tea, and listened. That was your way—giving without asking for anything in return.
You never wanted to be a burden, but you always carried the burdens of others. Like the Statue of Liberty, you were a refuge for the tired, stressed, and grieving, offering them peace.
You were so talented—proud of the clothes you sewed in high school and the dresses you made for your nieces and granddaughters. Your gardens were the prettiest on any block, and Dad loved your cooking, just as we adored your baking. But what made you happiest was time with your family.
When Aunt Lenore passed, you didn’t hesitate to step in as a mother figure for her daughters, Dawn and Lori. That’s who you were, always taking care of family, no matter what, and again with my wife, Alexis, in her time of need, becoming the best friend and mother she never expected.
Though you weren’t perfect, you always acted with love. You used to say, “You don’t have to like your family, but you’ve got to love them.” That wasn’t a harsh reminder; it was a truth that kept us close.
You also taught me the golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” After my brothers and I fought, you’d make us hold hands and look into each other’s eyes, awkwardly reminding us to treat each other with kindness.
Whenever you visited, you were the first to offer help, always leaving homes cleaner than you found them. Your quirky mispronunciations—like “warsh” for wash and “tomorrol” for tomorrow—were just part of your charm.
I’ll always remember you as my “pretty lady,” Mrs. Nielsen, Rick’s wife, but most of all, as a mother who loved without end. I see your spirit in my children. Vega’s determination is yours, and Broyd’s humor and tenacity reflect you. Your love for family lives on through them.
For those fortunate enough to know you, their lives were richer because of you. I didn’t fully understand the depth of that until you were gone, but now I realize every moment with you was a gift.
Mom, I miss you every day, but the love you gave us will carry us forward. Thank you for everything. I will always remember you and love you to the moon and back again.
Love Forever, Bryan, Alexis, Broyd, and Vega
There are no perfect words for a time like this, but know you're in our thoughts and in our hearts as she will always be in yours. We love you and are here, even just to listen.
Patrick, Jamie, and Seven
