Karen Gordon

Karen Gordon, age 69, passed away unexpectedly on January 3, 2023. Karen was born on March 12, 1953 in Framingham, MA, to William F. and Elinor M. (Kairit) Sheehan. She grew up in Holliston, MA, and was a 1971 graduate of Marian High School. Following graduation, she attended Northeastern University in Boston, majoring in Physical Therapy, she completed her degree with Northeastern Univ. while in FL. After college she enjoyed working as a nanny aboard a private yacht for a prominent Boston family for several years. She was treated as family and held precious memories of the children for whom she cared for. This is when she first visited St. Augustine, FL. In 1978, she married Wayne Gordon and together they raised a family of three daughters, Melissa, Jennifer and Kristen here in St. Augustine. Karen enjoyed several rewarding careers: Flagler Hospital as part of the Emergency Room staff, co-owner of North Florida Credit Bureau and before retiring she worked at Haven Hospice. One of her most rewarding jobs was working for Girl Scouts of America as Director of Human Resources. She dedicated many years to the Girl Scouts, where she ultimately received the Women of Distinction - World of Girl Scouting in 2003 Award. Karen volunteered for many organizations where she gave countless hours of her time. Karen was a Girl Scout herself, earning numerous badges. Through the years she was recognized for donating more than 7 gallons of blood to the St. Johns County Blood Bank. Other community organizations that were important to her in recent years included Wildflower Healthcare and Haven Hospice. Karen was very dedicated and accomplished in all her endeavors, cared deeply for those she worked with and along the way made many lifelong friends. She enjoyed watching her girls and now her grandchildren play sports and perform in recitals. Karen also enjoyed the Jacksonville Jaguars, having season tickets for many years. Most people that knew or met Karen would easily describe her as alway joyful and a friend to all. She was always ready for the next adventure, her favorites being the beach, boating, fishing and cruising. She loved every minute spent with her daughters and their families. From Disney trips, vacations to Aruba, or Caribbean adventures with family and friends, all were filled with joy, laughter, and great memories. She is survived by her loving daughters, Melissa Gordon, her partner Shawn McDonald, Jennifer McFee and husband Richard, Kristen Hunt and husband Adam all of St. Augustine. Her grandchildren, Caleb and Logan McFee, Seth, Daniel and Abigail Hunt. Karen is survived by her sisters, Kathleen Sheehan, Jean and husband Steven Tutuny, Joan McGillicuddy and her husband Michael, Theresa Maguire and husband Timothy, and two sister in-laws, Pauline Sheehan and Lynn Church, as well as her former husband Wayne. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, and lifetime friends. We are forever grateful she lived everyday to the fullest, with smiles, laughter and love. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother William T. Sheehan, and her sister in-law, Beverly Gordon. A celebration of Karen's life will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at St. Johns Family Funeral Home with Lexie Goodman officiating. A gathering of family and friends beginning at 11:30 am will precede the service at 12 noon. A reception will follow at Amici Italian Restaurant. In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen’s memory would be welcome to: Haven Hospice Foundation (https://beyourhaven.org/donate) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (https://www.stjude.org/donate) in memory of Karen Gordon. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. https://www.stjohnsfamilyfuneralhome.com

Karen Gordon

March 12, 1953 - January 3, 2023