Ursuline Academy

Karen Reilly Nardi, 1952 - 2001

Karen was the oldest girl and the second of six children born to Kay and Fran Reilly. She attended St. Mary Magdalen grade school before arriving at Ursuline Academy in 1964 to enter the seventh grade. Karen cherished every minute of the six years she spent at UA easily making lasting friendships with teachers as well as her beloved classmates. This year she is being honored by her classmates with the dedication of Project ‘70 for the classes’ 40th reunion.

After graduation, Karen majored in nursing at the University of Delaware and became a Navy nurse serving in Norfolk, Virginia. There she met her husband, Glen Nardi, who had attended the U.S. Naval Academy. They lived in Annapolis where Glen coached football at Navy and eventually moved to Miami, FL, Glen Mills, PA. and ultimately Columbia, SC.

Karen always said, “Bloom where you are planted” and that’s precisely what she did wherever she lived. She gave so much of her time and many talents to the Church, school, and community. Karen had a love for cooking and entertaining. Her home was always open and everyone just dropped by and instantly Karen was putting out food and beverage. With children at three different schools she was quite busy. She always attended every child’s school activity. From Elementary thru Middle and High Schools Karen was a major presence and everyone knew her. Just ask and Karen was ready to volunteer her time. She was a member of PTA boards and helped organize many events. It was easy to sign up for a volunteer job because you always knew you had a second pair of hands - Karen’s! Ask and she was there. Karen was also involved in her parish which truly was her foundation. She was active as a teacher in her church and in the many activities her children were involved with there. A strong supporter of Mass cards, Karen would regularly make the trek to the church office, where of course everyone knew her.

She amazed us all. Naturally, Karen left her mark and made many lifelong friendships along the way.

Karen’s greatest achievement was her kids. She and Glen were blessed with five children; Mandy (1978), Patrick (1980), Leigh (1981), Caitlin (1984) and Cara (1986). No mother was ever more loving and devoted to her children.

Karen passed away in 2001 after a 3-1/2 year battle with ovarian cancer. Throughout her illness, she maintained her always-positive can-do outlook, her faith in God, her love & devotion to her family and friends and her feisty sense of humor.

Click here to return to Project ‘70.