Karen Anne Sirski Martin

Karen Sirski-Martin passed away (peacefully surrounded by her children) on April 15th, 2026, in Norco, California where she had lived for the past 35 years. She was born on June 15, 1958, in Van Nuys to Anne Sirski (Yakimchuk) and Yaroslaw (Jerry) Sirski. Her parents were Ukrainians who immigrated from Winnipeg, Canada in the late 50s.Karen graduated in 1976 from Granada Hills High School where she participated in Drill Team and Candy Striping. She received an Associate Degree in Nursing (1980), a B.S. in Nursing (1983), and a Master’s in Nursing Education from Long Beach State (1990).

In 1989, Karen married Frank Martin. Their passions included water sports, skiing, boating, and flying in his plane. Also, they enjoyed gardening and home improvement projects, whether that be adding a pool to the yard or redecorating. Their proudest achievement was their three children, Lindsey, Jessica, and Christopher.

Karen was extremely proud of her Ukrainian heritage; during her middle to high school years, she danced as part of a folk-dance ensemble associated with the Los Angeles Ukrainian Cultural Center. In addition, she sang and participated with SUM, a Ukrainian youth club. When her daughters became dance enthusiasts, she started hip-hop, tap, and jazz lessons alongside them.

Karen was a nurse for over 45 years, the last 28 years at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Riverside as an Assistant Medical Group Administrator and Chief Nursing Officer. It’s no exaggeration to say that Karen loved the nursing profession. She expanded her influence beyond the arena of the hospital with her 40-year involvement with the American Heart Association, and 27 years of service as a member of the Statewide and Local “Health Workforce Initiative” Committee. During the mid-nineties she and her mother traveled to Ukraine to assist in the Education of Missionary Nurses with promoting 21st century health care practices.

Karen believed it was important to supported the Norco community by participating in countless school fundraisers, holding a position on the Highland Elementary PTA, serving as a member of the Corona/Norco School District Community Health Curriculum Advisory Committee, the Safety Officer for the Norco Little League, and board member and past Chairman of the Norco Area Chamber Board of Directors.

Karen loved to travel, especially to locations with sunny skies, hot weather, and a calm beach such as Cabo, Jamaica, Cancun and Turks & Caicos. She had an open heart and was a generous, cherished, loyal friend to all who knew her. She was known for her social personality and loved nothing more than entertaining family and friends at her home. Everyone was welcome, whatever the occasion.

She is survived by daughters Lindsey and Jessica, son Christopher, her son-in-law Mickey, grandchildren Charlotte and Lincoln and her older brother Jerry Sirski and wife Nancy Sirksi. Her husband, Frank, predeceased her in death.

In remembrance of Karen, please consider donating to Support Sisters in Norco. A funeral service will be held on May 2nd 2026, 2pm at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Mortuary in Norco, CA.