Karen Lee Hansen, age 79, died on September 2, 2024, from Las Vegas, NV (formerly from Chicago) known to family as Kerry and grandchildren as Nannie. Karen was born on May 20, 1945 in Chicago, IL to Stephanie Stella Hansen and Edward John Hansen. She was one of three sisters, Loretta Hansen and Janice Andrews. She grew up and lived in the Chicago area for the majority of her life before moving to Las Vegas. She was a graduate of Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park, IL in 1963. Karen worked her adult life in the food service industry, both in restaurants and the school setting. She also worked security at Ethel M's chocolate factory prior to retiring. Karen was a lifelong passionate sports fan, especially following the Chicago teams of Bears, Cubs, Bulls. She was a diehard NASCAR fan with her love for auto racing. Sundays were coveted to watch sports. She had a love for flowers, gardening, cooking and entertaining. Karen was always caring for her many plants and flowers that she had inside and outside her home. She was a phenomenal cook and always insisted on cooking for and with family. The highlight of her days were being involved and connected with family. Karen was full of life and the life of the party at any gathering. Her personality lit up the room and will be missed. She is survived by: Carie Cadwell (Don), Wendy Nelson (Erik), and Daniel Hansen (Karen), grandchildren Zack Biedinger, Tess Nelson, Courtney Hansen, Emma Nelson, Stephanie Ellinghaus (Billy), Nash Cadwell, Jake Cadwell, Maddie Hansen, great grand child Ella, sibling Janice Andrews, nephews Terry Gilmore, Steve Gilmore (Toni), cousins Nancy, Donald, Rosemary, Kenny, and many others. Lifelong friend Joan Jajdelski. Preceded in death by grandparents John Hansen (Nampa) and Loretta Hansen (Nannie), father Edward Hansen, mother Stephanie Hansen, sister Loretta Hansen. A Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. Thank you to Sunrise Hospital and Infinity Hospice for taking wonderful care of Karen in her final days battling cancer. Condolences may be sent to: Carie Cadwell, 2427 Taragato Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89052 "There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in our hearts."