SCARBOROUGH – It is with a heart full of memories and gratitude that we announce the passing of Karen R. Johnson, 85, who left us on June 18, 2025, to join her beloved parents, A.J. “Bud” and Ruth M. Johnson. Born in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., Karen’s life was one marked by dedication, innovation, and compassion.

A proud graduate of Lincoln High School, Karen went on to earn a BS in Nursing from Hamline University, a Certificate in Public Health Nursing and a Master of Education degree from the University of Minnesota, and an EdD from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, majoring in Mental Health and Human Systems Design and Administration.

Her career was a tapestry of pioneering roles in Nursing Education and Service, touching lives at Fairview Hospital School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts/Amherst, University of Virginia, University of New Hampshire, University of Minnesota Hospitals, Springfield Hospital, Mass., Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass., and Maine Medical Center, Portland. Karen’s passion for education led her to develop majors in graduate nursing education, direct a master’s degree program in southwestern Virginia, and oversee an innovative revision of baccalaureate nursing education at UMass/Amherst.

Karen’s leadership extended to developing the Surgical Nursing Service at Mass General Hospital and designing the master’s degree in Nursing Administration at UNH where she also served as Chair of the Department of Nursing. Her innovative spirit shone brightly as she directed the department of Nursing Systems and Information at Maine Medical Center, from which she retired in 2000.

In retirement, Karen’s unwavering commitment to service continued. She volunteered with the Jason Program and The Root Cellar. In 2014, she spearheaded the “Give a Child a Chance” ministry at First Lutheran Church, Portland, raising funds to provide preschool tuition support to families in need. Her efforts beginning in 2017, alongside colleagues, to secure honorary veteran status for members of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps, showcased her dedication to honoring those who served during World War II. Her greatest disappointment was the Congress never recognized these brave women.

Karen leaves behind a legacy of care that will continue to inspire. Her brothers, Keith (Karen Sue) of Calera, Ala., and James (Jennifer) of Hamburg, N.Y., along with countless students, colleagues, and those she cared for, will forever cherish her memory.

Karen is also survived by her loving niece, Kari (Brian) Green, nephews Jeff (Anne), Guy (Tiffany), James Jr. (Robin), Joel (Lena), Jason (Carrie), Jonathon, Hunter, and Michael; grandnieces Sarah (Drew) Royal, Kelly (Scot) Foy, Reilly Johnson, Leah Johnson, Lydia Johnson, Ava Johnson; grandnephews Maxwell (Emily) Johnson, Gabriel Johnson; and great-grandnieces Mackenzie Johnson and Rainey and Birdie Grace Royal.

An active member of First Lutheran Church in Portland,

Karen’s faith was as deep as her commitment to her community.

Karen was cremated, and her remains will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., alongside her parents. In her memory, we are reminded to be kind to all, a message that Karen embodied through her life’s work and interactions.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Lutheran Church, Portland on Saturday, July 12 at 1 p.m. There will be no visitation.

Karen’s life was a testament to the power of nurturing and innovation. May her story encourage us all to live with purpose, to leave a lasting impact on the world and to vote!

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to

“Give a Child a Chance”

ministry at

First Lutheran Church,

132 Auburn St.

Portland, ME 04103