Karen Lynn Chamblee

Karen was born in Bridgeport, Conn. June 27, 1956 to Melvin and Dorothy Rich, who both preceded her in death. Karen graduated from Roger Ludlowe High School in Fairfield in 1973 and entered the Diploma Nursing Program at Bridgeport Hospital and graduated in 1976.

An operating room nurse, Karen served at Emory University Medical Center in Atlanta, Ga., University Hospital and Audie Murphy Veteran's Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. She also attended University of the Incarnate Word and Palo Alto College in San Antonio, earning an Associate Degree in Veterinary Technology.

A Captain in the US Army Reserve, Karen served as an OR nurse in the 114 Evac Hosp in Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm. A gifted musician and singer, Karen was known by all for her gentle, generous nature and her love of children and animals, serving for years as a Sunday school teacher at San Pedro Presbyterian Church. She always lent her talents in arts and crafts at Vacation Bible School. She was happiest when she was spending time with her church Bunco buddies.

Karen is survived by her husband William A. "Don" Chamblee and son Jared Scott Chamblee, Riley the Westie, Bella the Catahoula, and cats Ephraim and Luna, whom she also thought of as her children, brother Mark Rich of Chester, Virginia, sister Susan Okaty of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Interment with Full Military Honors will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Karen's name may be made to San Pedro Presbyterian Church Youth Ministry, 14900 San Pedro Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78232.