Karen Elizabeth Cannon, 66, went home peacefully, surrounded by her family on October 15, 2023. She was born at Riverside Hospital in Newport News, VA to Francis and June Riesbeck, growing up in Hampton, VA until moving to Gloucester in 1980. She was predeceased by her parents whom she adored and took care of until their final days.

Karen was an incredibly loved member of her community and church; giving her time often with the Theresians of St. Thérèse, the Laurel Shelter for victims of domestic violence, docent at Rosewell and volunteering at Riverside Walter Reed Hospital. She spent her career in home health nursing, exemplifying compassionate care and making lifelong connections with her patients. Beyond these amazing accomplishments she was an avid antiquer, home decorator extraordinaire, intricate rug hooker, crocheter of everything, basket weaver and cross stitcher. She was a grand planner of birthday luncheons for all of her closest friends that they enjoyed for so many years. But above all else, she thrived on being a wife, mother and nanny. As her children got older, Sunday dinners were expected – a time she treasured catching up, holding her grandbabies and hollering while we played all the games. She didn’t know a stranger; she didn’t judge; and she could fill a room with energy and love. Karen’s laugh is unforgettable; she was unabashed with her opinions and remarks, which made you envious and embarrassed all at once – inspired by how passionately she owned her beliefs and feelings.  By her hands, homemade meals were perfection, holidays were overflowing with joy and she gave her all to make everyone around her feel safe, loved and cherished.  Mom was a warrior until the very end. We honor her strength and faith in doing everything she possibly could do to stay with us, but in the end, we respected that she was ready to go home and got her there with dignity, reverence and pure love.

Left to treasure her memories: Her loving husband of 32 magical years, Jeff Cannon- although meeting a little later in life, they were kindred spirits and soulmates. He was an indelible force in her life and fulfilled Karen’s every wish and need from the beginning to the very end. Her adoring children-Thomas Walters Jr., Elizabeth Young (Stephen) and Matthew Walters (Natasha). Her beloved grandbabies-Ian Walters, Molly Walters, Vivian Walters and Anastasia Walters. Her siblings-George Riesbeck (Patricia), John Riesbeck (Christine) and Anne Flannery (Cal). Lastly, her precious nieces and nephews-Kirstin Riesbeck, Carrie Flynn (Shawn), John Riesbeck (Katie), Colleen Weitzel (John), Kurt Riesbeck and Jennifer Parsons.

A funeral mass will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 11a in St. Thérèse Catholic Church in Gloucester, VA. A luncheon will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sjogren’s Foundation at https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/in-loving-memory-of-karen-elizabeth-cannon/8629/. A live stream of her funeral mass will be available, please reach out to Beth or Jeff personally for that link. Cremation Society of Virginia is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to www.vacremationsociety.com