Karen Donati

Karen Elaine (Nissen) Donati, 57, passed away June 22, 2024, after a courageous battle with uterine cancer.

Karen was born June 14, 1967, in San Francisco, CA, to James Nissen and Gloria (Gamble) Nissen. She worked as a CNA in Des Moines for many years. She enjoyed the renaissance fair and making costumes. Karen’s deep and unfailing love of her grandchildren was the axis around which her life revolved – Katalina “Pixie”, Anastasia “Prancer”, and Malakai. “My Prince”. She had a great love of animals, especially including her dogs – all preceding her, Fuzzy, Lucky, Gynger, Logan, Roxxi (The Old Woman), Saint Oliver, and Miss Molly (Bully Girl). Karen also held a deep fondness for her Danish heritage.

In Karen’s words –"It is important that my deep love of my grandkids was the axis of my life, Katalina, GrandMa's Pixie, Anastasia, My Prancer, and Malakai, My Prince. My great love of animals - except snakes hahah I do NOT do snakes, My pets Roxxi (the old woman) black lab, Saint Oliver my Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Miss Molly aka BULLY girl. Also, I was very, very proud of my Danish Heritage.”

She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Anthony; daughter, Tamara; three grandchildren, Katalina, Anastasia and Malakai; great granddaughter, Arabella; mother, Gloria; sister, Bessie and nephews, Travis (Tina)and Joshua (Katie).

She was preceded in death by her father, James; grandparents, Ralph and Alice, aunt Jacque and brother-in-law, Ronald.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by funeral service at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to her family in loving memory of Karen.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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