Karen Marie Novgrod, 71, of North Fort Myers, FL, passed away on September 1, 2024, surrounded by her family. Karen was born on May 5, 1953, in Newport News, Virginia, to Robert Allen Hespenhide and Mildred Christine Tomlin Hespenhide. At the age of 41, Karen graduated from nursing school and spent the majority of her career working at Swain Community Hospital in Bryson City, North Carolina. Once her children were grown, she embraced the life of a traveling nurse, taking her skills to Alaska, Hawaii, and South Carolina. In 2018, she relocated to Florida.

Karen was a vibrant, energetic woman and was admired by her family and closest friends. A woman of deep faith, she enjoyed playing the piano, guitar, banjo and the harmonica. Her creative talents extended to sewing, crafting, gardening, and painting. She had a passion for bargain shopping and found joy in upcycling second-hand items. She loved projects that gave her purpose, such as recovering furniture, building things, and creating unique Christmas presents. Karen's strength and determination were evident in her ability to balance hard work with her many creative endeavors.

Karen is survived by her children: Wenona "Nonie" D. Novgrod Jones and her husband, Chris, of Bryson City, NC; Justin W. Novgrod and his wife, Jordan, of Yadkinville, NC; Jordan S. Novgrod and his wife, Katy, of Sykesville, MD; Nathaniel L. Novgrod and his wife, Logan, of Waynesville, NC; and Katherine R. Kyle and her husband, Kevin, of Fort Myers, FL. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Hannah Martin, Sebastian Novgrod, Christian Novgrod, Malachi Larson, Naomi Feagin, Nikoli Novgrod, Kai Novgrod, Bellarose Novgrod, Hunter Novgrod, and Madelyn Kyle, as well as many other loving friends and family members. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Rodney T. Hespenhide. The family kindly asks that you consider making a donation to your local animal shelter in Karen's memory.