Shirley Karabatsos

Shirley Elizabeth (Anderson) Karabatsos, beloved wife of Nick Karabatsos, died Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at her home in Denver, Colorado.  She was 87 years old.  Shirley was born on July 12, 1935 to Hilding and Olga Anderson in Evansville, Minnesota.  Due to the death of her mother, Olga, from childbirth related complications, she was raised by her maternal Grandparents’ Oscar and Tillie Anderson.  Her older sister, Katherine age 5, chose her name from young icons of the time; Shirley Temple and the then Princess Elizabeth. Shirley recounted often and fondly growing up on her Grandparents’ dairy farm as well as the aunts, uncles and other relatives that provided loving support.  Shirley attended school in a one room country school until high school.  After high school she attended St. Luke’s Nursing School in Fargo, North Dakota, received her practical experience at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.  She would continue to practice nursing throughout her life in different venues often being recognized for her exceptionalism formally and informally by patients’ loved ones.  She married Nick Karabatsos of Chicago, Illinois on September 21, 1957.  Shirley, Nick and daughter, Jocelyn moved to Hamden, Connecticut in 1959.  There, daughters, Laurel and Kristen were born.  In 1975 the family moved to Fort Collins, Colorado.  Shirley and Nick established themselves in Fort Collins until relocating in 2008 to Denver and closer to family.  Shirley was the hub of the family, ensuring that each person felt special particularly her grandchildren.  She would often recite favorite anecdotes about each one.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Nick Karabatsos, her three daughters and sons-in-law; Jocelyn Ehrhardt (David), Laurel (Jeff Hargrove), Kristen Roy (Don) and grandchildren; Benjamin, Amanda, Hannah (Joe), Emma, Harper and great granddaughter Georgia Jaster.  She is also survived by her brother Neal Anderson, Goddaughter Candace Steer, nieces, nephews and cousins.  Her sister Katherine Erickson, brother Jerry Anderson, brothers-in-law Kenneth Erickson and Angelo Karabatsos predeceased her.

A lifelong Lutheran, Shirley requested that a memorial service be held at Messiah Lutheran Church in Denver, where she found community and caring.  Messiah Lutheran Church is located at 1750 Colorado Boulevard Denver.  The service in Shirley’s memory will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 18, 2023.

Donations in Shirley’s name can be made to the Evansville Historical Foundation 304 Gran Street, Evansville. MN 56326 or Evansvillehistory.org .

She will live long in our hearts.