Karen Sue Rabideau, age 80
October 21, 1943 – December 13, 2023
Karen Sue Rabideau, age 80, of Newton, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 7:17 PM – Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Private family services will be held. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.
Karen was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 21, 1943, the daughter of William L. Woodard and Hazel (Cornwell) Woodard. She wed James F. Rabideau Sr. on May 5, 1962, and he preceded her in death in November 2000. Their union brought forth five children; Diana (Courtland) Robins of Newton, Illinois, Jim (Helen) Rabideau of Fort Worth, Texas; Scott (Karen) Rabideau of Indianapolis, Indiana; Rhonda Rabideau and Krissy Ellison of Newton, Illinois. Karen was a Registered Nurse upon her graduation from Lincoln Trail College in 1988. Karen worked in many areas of nursing in a career spanning over 20 years; including but not limited to Hospice Nursing and Nursing within the field of Mental Health Services at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital. Karen thoroughly loved working as a Registered Nurse; and her compassion and empathy for her patients was simply unmatched. Karen truly treasured life; her own, as well as the lives of others. She was a proud grandmother to 12 grandchildren: Michael, Amanda, Philip, Brelei, Garrin, Rachl and Ashton Rabideau, Lyssa Michl, Sonya (Erik) Cordell, Desiree and Kaitlyn Ellison, and Marissa (TJ) Hunt. Karen also had 12 beautiful great-grandchildren and 1 precious great-great grandchild, Grayson Rabideau, whom she held very dear to her heart. She was preceded in death by her parents and her dear sister, Patricia Hoy, of Ocala, Florida. She is survived by her children, grandchildren; a brother, Bill (Vicki) Woodard, and a brother-in-law, Jack Hoy, of Ocala, Florida. Karen was a lifelong, devoted Chicago Cubs fan. One of her most treasured memories of her life was witnessing their World Series win in 2016. She was known for her comical sense of humor, contagious laugh, spunky personality, and her beautifully kind soul. Karen will be deeply missed by all who have loved and adored her. Heaven has truly gained another angel.
