Karen L. Robillard

Karen Lorraine Farley Robillard, 78, of Kewaunee, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on August 29, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on May 8, 1947, in Middletown, Connecticut, and was the oldest of four children to Luther and Lois (Spray) Farley.

From a young age, Karen was dedicated to serving others. She began her passion for helping others as a teenager, volunteering as a "candy striper" at her local hospital. At 19, she enlisted in the United States Navy, serving as a hospital Corps Wave and operating technician at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. It was there that she met the love of her life, John Norbert Robillard, son of Norbert and Elaine (Thibodeau) Robillard. They were married on base at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital Chapel on July 16, 1969, marking the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

After her honorable discharge, Karen moved to Kewaunee, Wisconsin, where she and John began their new life. As a young couple, they were active members of the Jaycees and Jaycettes, and they also volunteered as EMTs, forging many lifelong friendships through their community involvement. It was in Kewaunee that they raised their three children, Judd (MyThuy Luu) Robillard, Torrance, CA, Jeremy John Robillard, Kewaunee, and Teal Janee (Raul) Lopez, Torrance, CA. Her family was her pride and joy, and she was thrilled to become Grandma Karen to her five beloved grandchildren, Hope Thi Chan (19), Madeline Hope Lopez (17), Benjamin Carter Lopez (15), Gavin John Lopez (11), and Vy Khahn Robillard (5), all of southern California. Karen was a constant presence in their lives, always showing up for the people she loved.

Her passion for caring for others extended to her professional life. She earned her LPN and later RN license from NWTC. Karen worked locally at St. Mary's Hospital, Algoma Memorial Hospital, Kewaunee Health Care Center and ultimately found her calling as a home health nurse at Aurora Healthcare, where her compassionate nature shined.

Karen had a great love for travel, often taking her family on road trips to Florida or New England to visit relatives. In recent years, she cherished spending winters in California with her children and grandchildren. Her dream of exploring her ancestral roots was fulfilled when she and John took a memorable trip to Scotland and England.

Karen was a member of the American Legion, Post 29 and an active member of Community Congregational Church and obtained a license to serve as a Parish Nurse. She was a dedicated volunteer, teaching English and literacy to members of the local ESL community. In her free time, she was an avid reader and talented quilter. She created countless beautiful quilts, gifting many to her children and contributing numerous Quilts of Valor to Veterans. In a moment that she deeply cherished, she was presented with her own Quilt of Valor by the Quilts of Valor Foundation in 2016, a testament to her own service.

She was known for her resilience and never complained about the challenges or pains she faced. Karen's legacy is one of unwavering devotion to her family, friends, and community. Her quiet strength and kind heart will be deeply missed.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Luther and Lois (Spray) Farley; her sister, Pamela Helenek; and her granddaughter, Gracyn Janee Lopez.

A visitation will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 9:30 am - 11:00 am at Community Congregational Church, Kewaunee. Funeral service at 11:00 am with Pastor Rick Koch officiating. Full military rites to follow by American Legion Post 29, Kewaunee. Kinnard Funeral and Cremation Services, Kewaunee is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at KinnardFCS.com.

The family would like to extend a special thank you for the incredible care received from the teams at Bellin Cancer Center, Unity Hospice, and the Kewaunee Ambulance.

In lieu of flowers, The Robillard Family asks for your kind donations to the American Legion, Post 29 in Kewaunee, WI, the Kewaunee Artisan Center or Unity Hospice.