Karen Cecelia (Kirwan) Sall
January 26, 1948-May 10, 2024
Karen Cecelia (Kirwan) Sall was called to her eternal home on May 10th, 2024, surrounded by her family, cared for by several incredibly warm-hearted nurses & doctors, and accompanied by a holy priest, Fr. Andrew Sohm, who summoned the presence of Jesus, Mary & Joseph, her guardian angel, and many saints during her final moments.
Karen was born on January 26th, 1948, to Edward Arthur Kirwan (Art) and Mabel Edna (Edna). She was the third of their 4 children. Born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa, she attended Immaculate Conception grade school and Bishop Heelan Catholic High School. When she was in second grade, her sister Mary recalls her introducing herself to people by saying, “Hi! My name is Karen, do you want to be my friend?” This was indicative of Karen’s incredible ability to make lifelong friendships.
Karen attended The College of Saint Mary in Omaha where she met the love of her life, Michael J. Sall. They married on June 27th, 1970 and were blessed with two sons. Craig and David were a gift they treasured more than anything, raising them in their inherited Catholic faith. After her sons began school, Karen returned to the classroom to teach. She touched many lives during her 30 years of teaching. She received many letters from past students thanking her for pushing them to do more than they thought they could do, making them laugh, or for guiding them to a path in life. Many former students would approach her in public to say hello.
Karen was intensely loyal to her friends, many of whom she had since childhood, high school & college, and even found them in the retirement home where she spent her last months. A testament to her strong friendships was evidenced by their shared laughter during late night phone conversations, their presence during the last days of her husband’s illness, the organization of multiple moves, and an endless list of helpful interactions. Her friends were extremely supportive of her.
Karen was very proud of her family. Her sons Craig and David, her daughters-in-law, Molly and Meagan, and especially her grandchildren: Caroline, Zachary, Connor, Grace, Nicholas, Luke, Michael, and Vincent.
On the headstone she selected 12 years ago when Mike passed, it is written “to be continued.” To be continued included what her strong faith told her awaits us on the other side of the veil. Although she didn’t want to leave this earth and all those she loved here, it was her hope that she would see all her loved ones again and continue living eternally in the light of Christ. In His light, love remains, friendships continue, and the struggles are no longer.
To be continued applies further for all of us here: Her faith has been passed on to the next generation, her sense of humor to her grandchildren, her loyalty to her sons, the joy of her laughter & humorous outlook to her friends.
Our families are grateful to everyone who has helped Karen over the years in big and small ways. Your presence in her life was a gift to us all. She loved and allowed others to love. And that love will be continued…
Rosary and Visitation to follow, Friday, May 17, 2024, 8:45 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 14330 Eagle Run Drive, Omaha, NE. Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, May 17, 2024, 10:30 AM, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.
Interment: Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to The Carmel of Jesus, Mary and Joseph – Valparaiso, NE, Creighton Prep or Mount Michael.
18 Comments
Oh, my! The joy of working with Karen as we team taught 6th grade at Park. I could tell stories, too.
Her obituary is so very true . She so often spoke of her family with a heart full of love for each one.
Mrs. Idt, I was amongst the new 6th grade at Park and had the blessing of having both you and Mrs. Sall as my teachers. Both of you had a positive impact on many of us. Many Thanks!
My prayers to her sons and dtr in laws, and grandchildren. She was a wonderful class mate at Heelan and I was in band with her for 4 years. It was so great to be able to visit with her and so many at our 50th class reunion.
She can know rest in peace with her beloved Michael and parents. Fly with the other Heelan 66 angels and guide the rest of us daily
I was in band with Karen for 4 years at Heelan-good times wer had.My prayers to her sons and daughter in laws and grandkids it is a great loss but and angel in heaven. She had joined with her beloved Mike iini heaven. So glad she made the 50 class reunion, made friendships were renewed.
Soar with the other angels of 66 and watch over us here on earth
To my ephews, i am so sorry for your loss. You are in mythoughts and prayersAunt Sharley Bailey
Dear family of my beloved friend, Karen, Today I was so shocked and saddened to learn of Karen’s passing. My sister, Jan and her husband from California purchased Karen’s lovely home prior to Karen moving into an assisted living facility. We were planning to have Karen and Meagan for a visit and coffee at my sister’s home once the weather warmed up and the rain stopped. We feel so sad our plan didn’t come to fruition before Karen’s passing. My late husband, Tracy and I had many special visits on our porch with Karen before his passing. Karen was a wonderful friend and will always be fondly remembered. May you all be comforted by the Love of Christ and His Promise of Everlasting Life.
We are so sorry for your loss. We would see Karen at sporting events at Mount Michael and PAL activities, as well as church or subbing at SVdP. She always had a smile on her face and was so fun to talk to. Her love for her family was obvious. May God comfort you and bring you wonderful memories to share.
Karen, my precious friend of over 50 years, began when we taught together at Arbor Heights. We soon learned that she & Mike were married on the same day as Doug & I…& so each anniversary was celebrated together while we were in Omaha. In recent years I would travel to Omaha & stay with her for days of continued laughter & talking! We had such a good visit on the phone just 2 weeks before her passing… I will miss her so much, but I have so many great memories. I also treasured the times I was included in family times with David, Meagan, Craig, & Molly & their wonderful kids so she lived so much. My love & sympathy to all of you.
I must add that Mike & Doug had a special relationship & we all shared great times together & lots of funny stories…
Mrs. Sall was my 6th grade teacher at Park and one of my favorite teachers. She was amazing and touched so many lives. After becoming a teacher myself I was able to go visit her at Sunrise to tell her how influential she was in my life. Rest in peace.
My condolences to the entire Sall family. May your happy memories lift your hearts until you see her again.
Karen was my childhood and high school best friend and up to a week before her death, we talked monthly and in the last five years, weekly. We were always sharing current events of our lives and laughing at events of our past. Despite the miles between us in our adult years, we stayed very close, and I will miss her so much! I’m proud of Dave and Craig and send love to them and their wives, Megan and Molly, and their children, all of whom Karen adored. Karen had strong faith and I know without a doubt we will continue our friendship in Heaven! I’m so happy Karen is dancing with Mike again………..and with the angels, in God’s comfort and love.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the passing of your wonderful mother. It was my pleasure to be friends with her for many years as a teacher as well as a friend with sons the same age. (Joel and Craig)’
She was a blessing to all who knew her. She was so kind , always positive and encouraging. I was also David’s Kindergarten teacher… another gift! I will cherish the great memories I have of her. Blessings to all of you as you journey through this sad time. Yes, Karen is at peace and probably bringing smiles and happiness to the angels above. Sending love and support to all her loved ones. Peace be with you all! Judy Falk
My sincere condolences to the whole Sall family. Karen was outgoing, funny, interesting – and interested – with whom ever she was interacting with at the time. She had values and a strong faith, but was accepting and interested in other people’s views. At times she was also extremely funny – a true joy to know. I will miss her.. Rest in peace Karen
I am not sure how many of our three children were taught by Karen at Park School in Kearney. I would talk to her often; mostly because she made me and, as I suspect, all of our children’s parents comfortable to do so both in and out of the school building. I will always remember her strong but lovely sense of humor and her willingness to get close to any student she had. I admired her for that too. I have a vision of her greeting her friends in heaven with her cherished personality. Sending peace to her family and friends and, to her in Heaven..
I am so saddened to learn of my dear friend, Karen’s passing. We have been life long friends beginning in third grade at Immaculate Conception School, Heelan High School, college, marriage and lately, retirement (68 Years). We would call each other every week and I spoke to her last the Monday before her passing. Karen was a strong Catholic woman of faith and we often talked about our faith and our God. When we ended each call I would say, love you girlfriend, and she would reply, love you too, later! She never wanted to say Good Bye. So my dear Karen I have no doubt that you will and already are an amazing “angel”. Love you girlfriend, later! Terri
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I am so sad to read this. Mrs. Sall was my one of my 6th grade teachers ,as I too was part of the first 6th grade class at Park. We had some wonderful times. Fly high, Mrs. Sall.
We were blessed to know the Sall family through our St James family and also our daughter Angie graduating with Craig at Kearney Catholic High School! ! Prayers to the family! 🙏
So very sorry to hear about Karen. A very special lady.
Knew her from Park elementary and our Kearney Catholic family. My prayers to Craig and Dave and their families.
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