Karen Lee Pugh

Karen‘s family moved to San Antonio, Texas from Michigan when she was 10 years old. She completed her education in San Antonio, graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School and then nursing school with an RN degree.

In 1957 Karen married Arthur Pugh and they had one son, Jay Michael. They moved to Houston in 1967 where Karen began her career as a surgical nurse. Karen and Art divorced in 1975, but remained friends.

After a long and successful career at Memorial Southwest, she retired and relocated to Kingwood, TX joining the Kingwood Hospital Surgery Department. Karen’s talents led her to her next position at Memorial Northeast Hospital as Director of Surgical Services. She retired from the Memorial Hospital System a second time at the age of 70.

She was most proud of working as a cardiovascular surgical nurse. During her career, she saw many advancements and had the opportunity to work alongside pioneers in the field.

Karen was continuously involved in her church and community, by serving on the Altar Guild at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston and then as a member of Good Shepard in Kingwood. Upon moving to Frisco, Texas she attended St. Phillips Episcopal Church, also volunteering at St. Phillips Episcopal Day School. Karen’s other volunteer activities include the Kingwood Women’s Club and Baylor Scott and White Centennial Hospital.

Some of her favorite activities included reading and cross stitch and she was always ready for travel and adventure. Karen also enjoyed meeting her friends for a session of Thai Chi and their Sunday afternoon lunches, as well as her Friday night dinners with the McClintock’s.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents and her sister Lorraine Foote and nephew David Foote.

Karen is survived by her son, Mike Pugh, (Eva) of Byers, Colorado. Grandson, Cameron Pugh of Sheridan, Wyoming. Nieces and Nephews, Janet Thorsrud, (Trig) of San Jose, CA, Larry Foote, (Naomi) of Houston, TX, Sherry (Matt) Harrison of New Braunfels, TX, Carl, (Maria) Foote of Austin, TX, Jamie, (Ron) Borek of Arlington, TX, Dana Throsrud of San Jose, CA, David Thorsrud, (Sierra), of Sacramento, CA, Monica, (Graeme) Durant and Maeve of Lockhart, TX, Aaron, (Kassandra), Foote of Austin, TX, Elise Foote of Los Angeles, CA, Jennifer Harrison of Houston, TX, Nicole Harrison of Austin, TX, Jacob Foote of Austin, TX, Mariah, (Jake) Searock of Edmond, OK Cherished Friends, Donna and Ed McClintock of Frisco, TX, Godchildren, Kim and Grant Evans, Sienna, Chelsea and Noah of Frisco, TX, Kristen and Daniel Garson, Ellis and Oliver of Houston, TX.

Karen cherished her family and friends.

A memorial service for Karen will take place on September 8th, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Philip's Episcopal Church at 6400 Stonebrook Pkwy, Frisco, TX 75034

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.teddickeywestfuneral.com for the Pugh family.