Karen M. Bringhurst, 65, passed away peacefully on the evening of Thursday, October 6, 2022, in her home surrounded by her family and closest friends. Karen received a devastating cancer diagnosis less than one month prior to her passing. She was called home sooner than imagined to be reunited for eternity with her soulmate, Frank A. Bringhurst, who was also taken from us too early, over 21 years ago. In Karen’s eyes, no other companion could ever compare to Frank.
Karen was born in 1957, to Howard and Mary Crane in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, and was the youngest of three siblings. A few years after her birth, the family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah.
Karen attended Skyline High School and graduated with the class of 1975. She then earned her BSN, RN from Westminster College in 1980. Karen pursued her passion for caring for others and began her nursing career at St. Mark’s Hospital. She excelled as an operating room nurse for 20+ years, leading the heart team.
In 1996, Karen was awarded the HCA Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Sr. Humanitarian Award, which recognizes one healthcare worker each year for their selfless commitment to the compassionate care and improvement of human life.
After Frank’s passing in 2001, Karen continued her nursing career at the Salt Lake Surgical Center for over six years, where she again touched the lives of many. Karen then continued her legacy at Verscend Technologies (formerly Verisk Health) for more than 10 years. Karen dedicated her career to serving others and mentoring countless co-workers.
In 2017, Karen retired to become a full-time grandma to her two beloved granddaughters, Mylah and Alexys, who brought so much joy, love, and laughter to her life.
Karen was a loving, selfless, thoughtful, and devoted wife, mother, sister, grandma, aunt, and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Mary, and husband, Frank. Karen is survived by her two children, Meridyth (Justin) Watters and Ben Bringhurst (David Conard), two granddaughters, Mylah and Alexys Watters, two siblings, Cathy (Bruce) Charlesworth and Glenn (Chanel) Crane, numerous loving nieces and nephews, and countless close and thoughtful friends, co-workers, and neighbors. It’s impossible to put into words how much she will be missed by everyone she encountered in her life.
Karen’s family would like to express their thanks to the doctors and nurses who cared for Karen during her final days.
All are invited to honor Karen’s legacy from 6-8pm on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary (3401 S. Highland Drive). Private graveside services will be held, at which time Karen will be laid to rest with her soulmate, Frank.
In lieu of flowers, Karen and her family ask for a donation to be made to aid in cancer and BRCA research to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. Also, please help carry on Karen’s love for helping others by performing an act of kindness and love for someone in need.
