Obituaries

Karen “Kay” Elizabeth (Nelson) Stump passed away on April 4, 2023, at the age of 86 at her home in Geneva, Illinois, from complications associated with a stroke.

Kay was born in Birmingham, Iowa, on March 16, 1937, to Jeanne and Harlan Nelson and was one of four children. After graduating as valedictorian of her Birmingham High School class in 1955 she married James “Jim” Stump and had three children: Duff, Sarah, and Dan.

A devoted mother, friend and talented nurse, Kay raised three teenagers while earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from Northern Illinois University. She cared for hundreds of patients throughout her 27 years-long nursing career at St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin. While at St. Joe’s Kay worked on the medical/surgical unit, the oncology floor, the intensive care unit, and special procedures department and finished her career as an administrator in the electro diagnostics department.

Many of Kay’s happiest days were spent working in her garden and enjoying time with her pets. Kay was a smart, strong,   and fiercely independent woman who was born about two generations too early.  She will be fondly remembered for her great style, her skill at home decorating, and her no nonsense wit.  Her loss is felt by all who were privileged to know her, particularly several lifelong friends who will miss her loyal and caring friendship.

Kay is survived by her three children, Duff (Debbie) Stump, Sarah (Eric) Nielsen, and Dan Stump; nine grandchildren, Jonathan, Corey, Marcus, Abbey, Madeline, Olivia, Elizabeth, Matthew, and Daniel; and one great-grandchild, Isla.

A celebration of Kay’s life will be June 17th from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. Please contact her daughter for location.. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kay’s name can be made to Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter, Riverwoods, IL or the American Stroke Association.

For information, please call Yurs Funeral Home, Geneva 630-232-7337.

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