Kari Beth Sgourakes passed away peacefully at her home in Rochester, MA on January 22nd, 2023. She was with her daughter and her husband of 42 years.
Kari was born in Grand Forks, ND. She was the first of six children of Gene and Violet Halvorson. Kari loved growing up with her large family, especially when her dad took the school superintendent job in the small town of Lake Park, MN. The town was such a perfect spot for the young family. Surrounded by farms, and with the school across the street from their home, Kari and her siblings were a fixture in the small community. Kari’s high school graduating class of 1976 had a total of 52 students, who remain close to this day.
After high school graduation, Kari enrolled at St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in Duluth, MN. She graduated in 1979, and then moved to Galveston, TX to work at the University of Texas Medical Branch. In 1991, having just become a new mom, she earned a master’s degree in nursing at, what was then, Southeastern Massachusetts University. Her thesis, as with so much of Kari’s professional life, centered on elderly care.
Like her own mom, Kari was a dedicated nurse throughout her career. She worked in hospitals, at a doctor’s office as the Head Nurse, at various nursing homes as the Assistant Director and Director of Nursing, and at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth as an adjunct professor where she taught and provided mentorship to aspiring healthcare professionals.
Although born in the Midwest, Kari considered herself a true New Englander because of her beloved husband, Steve, and their many adventures. Kari and Steve met in 1979 when he was visiting a friend – her neighbor – in Texas. They became pen pals for months until Kari moved to Massachusetts in 1980. They married in 1981. Shortly thereafter, with the support of family and friends, they built a house and a life together, laughing their way throughout life’s journey. The two truly adored being in each other’s company. They especially loved traveling to their favorite spots throughout New England, including the many hiking trails up north. Their goal was to always find the perfect waterfall.
Kari was a beloved “mom” and friend to many, including her coworkers and daughter’s friends (“the kids”). Kari’s infectious smile was always the biggest when with her loved ones. One of her many joys was watching her daughter, Samantha, grow up. Kari was so proud that her daughter’s life, like her own, has been focused on helping others.
Kari is survived by her husband Steve; daughter Samantha; sisters Marthe (husband Randy), Pauli, Heidi, and Vicky (husband Jeff); sisters-in-law Paula and Diane; and many other beloved family members and friends. She is predeceased by her parents, Violet and Gene, and brother Jim.
Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers to the family, donations may be made in Kari’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association: Alzheimer’s Association | Donate to Fight Alzheimer’s Disease.
Arrangements by Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham. To leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com
