I too was stationed with Ellen at Mather AFB in CA. It was my first assignment and Ellen became my supervisor in 1982.  She was admired and loved by all of the nurses. As an educator, she could turn a dull topic into an exciting briefing.  Though I was new to working in education & training, she always thanked me at the end of the day with a “thanks for all of your help today” message.  It made me feel so appreciated & pushed me to want to do even better.   She was a great mentor and role model & will be missed!  

Sandy Schmidt Berringer
Col, USAF (retired)

When I was a little girl I’d sit  On grampa’s floor looking up at the beautiful portrait that hung on his wall of aunt Ellen. She always looked so fine in her Air Force uniform.  I admired her greatly as she’d fly in, arms full of stuffed animals for us.  Later she would visit our home and as I begged her to give me a French twist, She teased my hair out, in a plume of hairspray we accomplished the look she had sported in her high school days.  When I was a teen she would fly me to Florida to visit her and grampa. She first brought me and my brother Michael to Disney.  I remember her Mary K products lined up on her counter, her home decorated with treasures from her worldly travels.  I loved her very much, as did my mother  Carol Anne, her half sister.  We will continue to miss you. Ellen may you Rest In Peace. Condolences to all who have lost you. 

Nancy, so sad to hear about Ellen, I also was stationed at Mather with her.  She was a wonderful friend and mentor. I stayed at her house as I PCS’ed from Mather and she was TDY, she was broken into!  When I heard she was ill I wanted to get in my car and drive to Florida to see her. As Col Cleland Cousino said she was the life of the party and always the one making sure things worked. She had a servants heart, one who always gave sage advice. I know you are hurting now, prayers are offered for peace, comfort and understanding. Time will heal. God bless you and your family.  
Tom Knight
Lt Col, USAF (ret)

Ellen worked with me when I was the Chief Nurse at Mather AFB in CA.....she was a  delight.  She ran the Continuing Education Dept and did a super job....infact she always received an outstanding rating when high level inspections occurred.  She had a great sense of  humor and a caring way about her.  Social activities were more fun when she was involved.  She will be missed as I am sure she was very involved in many things in the Orlando area.....

Donna Cousino, 
Col. Ret. USAF

Lt Col Karaku was my chief nurse at Edwards Air Force Base.  She was a great leader and always had the patient's best interests in mind.  She served with honor. Rest in peace. 

NANCY, SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR SISTER ELLEN.  I REMEMBER HER AS A VITAL YOUNG WOMAN  WHO I SAID TO MYSELF, SHE WILL BE A HIGH ACHIEVER.  LORI GOUROUSES AND I, (PAT FIELD IN THOSE DAYS)  VERY MUCH ENJOYED OUR 20'S GOING DANCING WITH YOU AND ELLEN.    I  TYPED A FEW TERM PAPERS FOR YOU, REMEMBER?   WHAT A LOVELY PICTURE OF HER IN THE PAPER.  MAY YOUR MEMORIES GIVE YOU COMFORT.   PAT (FIELD) OLOUGHLIN.  


Ellen’s death was so unexpected it’s hard to fathom that she has gone.  My heart knows that she is with God.  I will miss Ellen, her grit, forthrightness, her kindness and compassion.  However, those memories will bring me additional comfort as they are etched on my heart!   To her sister Nancy and her nephews May God’s infinite love and compassion give you peace. 


Our family is heartbroken to hear of Ellen's passing.  She touched each one of us in a different way.  For me I will miss the goodness of her heart, that smile and the spunk that came along with it.  She was truly loved, will be truly missed by many but most of all by my family.  
May you rest in peace Ellen...your memory will be forever eternal.  

OBITUARY

Ellen P. Karaku, Lt. Col. USAF, (RET)

September 18, 1944 – May 30, 2018

Blount & Curry Life Event Center

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