Karen Sanders Lee

Karen Sanders Lee, a dedicated mother, grandmother, sister, and retired nurse, passed away on May 20, 2026, just shy of her 75th birthday, in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Known for her exceptional brightness and her lifelong passion for reading, Karen committed her life to the service of others through a distinguished 40-year career in nursing.

Born in Altoona, Pennsylvania on May 29, 1951, to William Sanders and Donna Baker, Karen went on to pursue her passion for healthcare at Kent State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. As a registered nurse, she brought comfort and healing to countless patients across several institutions, including Akron General Hospital, Barberton Hospital, and Visiting Nurse Services. She concluded her long and impactful career at Emanate Health Inter-Community Hospital, in Covina, California, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and professional excellence. Though she did not have diabetes herself, the condition touched her family deeply, giving her a profound personal understanding of the daily care, resilience, and support that families facing the diagnosis require.

Beyond her professional achievements, Karen’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother and a proud grandmother who cherished every moment spent with her son and grandchildren. Whether lost in the pages of a great book or enjoying the company of her loved ones — including her favorite "grandog," Heldy — Karen’s presence was a source of warmth and intellect.

She was predeceased by her beloved son, Ryan C. Lee, who passed away in 2016; her parents, William and Donna; and her brother, Billy Sanders.

Karen’s memory will be forever cherished by her surviving son, Thomas P. Lee, and his wife, Shimei Zhao; her three grandchildren, Jeanna Lee (Jeremy Poe), Breann Lee, and Alexander Lee; and the mother of her grandchildren, Melissa Hopper. She also leaves behind her loving siblings, Sharon Fleming (Larry), Mark Sanders (Donna), and Amy Wincek (John), along with many extended family members, colleagues, and friends whose lives she touched.

Her affairs are being handled with care by Stone Funeral Home in Upland, California.

The family will hold a memorial service to celebrate Karen's life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Karen’s memory to Camp Conrad Chinook Diabetes Camping and Educational Services (https://www.diabetescamping.org/donate). This gesture honors both her professional legacy as a nurse and her deep heartfelt connection for her family members whose lives were touched by diabetes.