Karen (Callaghan) Nold

Karen Sue Callaghan Nold, 68, passed away December 22,2022 at Piedmont-Rockdale Hospital in Conyers, Georgia after a brief illness. She was interred on January 10, 2023 at Calvary Cemetery in Sioux City, IA.

A Celebration of Life is planned for February 18, 2023 at Christy-Smith Funeral Home--Morningside Chapel. Visitation will be 2-3 pm and service will begin at 3 pm.

Karen was born on February 18, 1954 in Sioux City, Iowa to Marie La Fontaine and Dr. Ambrose James Callaghan Jr. She graduated from Bishop Heelan High School in 1972. Karen participated in many activities. Some of which were Drill Team, Girls Basketball, Girls Golf, Majorette, FlagTwirler and Honor Roll.

Karen attended Colorado Women’s College, the University of Iowa and graduated from the University of South Dakota. After college, Karen furthered her education and graduated from St. Joseph Mercy School of Nursing in Sioux City in 1982.

As a Registered Nurse for the next 5 years she was a Float Nurse and a Charge Nurse in many different areas at Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, South Dakota. In 1984 she was named Nurse of the Year. In 1987-1988 Karen was named the Clinical Coordinator at the Elk Point Community Clinic.

Karen married the love of her life, Steve Nold on August 23,1985 in Elk Point, South Dakota. They owned and lived on the Blue Feather Farm with her step-son, Orion Nold. In 1988 they moved to Conyers, Georgia. They purchased their second home where Karen resided until her death.

Karen was a gifted Registered Nurse. She earned many credentials and accolades while working at Piedmont-Rockdale Hospital. Karen was also a Clinical Instructor at DeKalb Tech LPN program and a Keynote Speaker at graduation ceremonies. She also worked at Atlanta Medical Center in Radiology and a Critical Care Nurse in Oncology until she retired.

Karen was known for her kind heart and her friendly, out-going personality She loved to travel with her husband, Steve and step-son Orion. One of their favorite places was to visit friends in Belize. She was an avid golfer, a passion she also shared with her husband and son. Karen was an animal lover, especially dogs and horses. She volunteered at the Georgia International Horse Park that was near her home and the official equestrian site during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. She always owned a rescue dog up until a few months before her passing.

Karen is survived by her step-son Orion Nold of Lead, SD ; 2 grandchildren, KC and Andi Nold Lead, SD: her brother, Jim Callaghan (Beth) Huntington Beach, CA: 2 sisters, Meg Callaghan and Mary Joyce Capobianco ( Mike) Clive, IA. And several nieces and nephews.
Karen was preceded in death by her husband, Steve Nold, her parents and a sister, Kathy Callaghan Payer.

Karen was loved by family and friends and she will be missed. Memorials may be made to your local animal shelter in her name.