Karen Lynn Perry

Karen Lynn Perry, 56, passed away on February 19, 2022, in Austin Texas with her loving family by her side.  Karen was the daughter of Therese (Teri) Westendorf and the late Henry (Hank) Westendorf of Kokomo, Indiana.

Karen received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Texas at Austin in 1997 and was a registered nurse, certified pediatric nurse, and medical assistant.  She also received a Master of Arts degree in Bioethics and Health Policy from Loyola University in 2014.  Karen was very passionate about pediatric care and worked for Dell Children’s Medical Center for over 20 years where she was a clinical educator and served on the Dell Pediatrics Ethics Committee.  Karen was also involved in child advocacy through Austin Travis County as a trained Guardian Ad Litem and volunteered on medical mission trips to provide services in under privileged countries.

Outside of work, Karen’s greatest passions were her faith, family and friends, travel, sports, and her pet dogs.  She was an active member of Saint Albert the Great Catholic Church where she taught Ethics and Integrity in Ministry for the diocese.  Karen loved traveling with family and friends, especially to historic and religious places like Rome, Italy, her annual beach vacation, and the Christmas family gathering.  Karen enjoyed all sporting events with special interest in football, baseball, and European soccer.

Karen is survived by her mother Teri Westendorf, her three adoring sisters: Mary Richardson (John Richardson) of Grove Oklahoma, Susan Kaindl of New York City and Kate Dean of Roswell, Georgia and her five beloved nieces: Allie Richardson of Tannersville Pennsylvania, Shelby Richardson of Orlando Florida and Hannah, Lauren, and Meghan Dean of Roswell, Georgia. 

Special thanks to Dr. Helen Dinkelspiel Eshed and the team at Texas Oncology who provided Karen with such extraordinary care during her five-year battle against ovarian cancer.

Memorial contributions in Karen's name can be made to Catholic Charities of Central Texas at https://ccctx.org/make-a-donation/

Service will be live-streamed at www.saintalbert.org in the Engage With Us area