Kaaren Anderson Nowicki

KAAREN ANDERSEN NOWICKI

September 23, 1942-February 22, 2024

Whimsical. Incisive. Cheerful. Playful. Empathetic. Ready to help anyone in need. These words only begin to describe the inimitable and beloved Kaaren Nowicki, who died of colon cancer on February 22nd, at home, surrounded by loving family.

Kaaren grew up in a small community in rural Wisconsin, attended public schools, and went to Carroll College, where she met her adoring husband, Steve. She went on to teach elementary school until the birth of their son, Andy. Thereafter, she engaged with family, school, and church activities until deciding to attend Candler Theology School at age 50.

Upon graduation she became chaplain at Emory University Hospital Midtown for a dozen years, a perfect fit for her gifts. As friend Elaine Walker observes, "Kaaren had the wisdom, curious mind and human compassion that [enabled] her to make a personal connection with those she encountered in virtually any setting, including her work as a pastoral counselor." Her Midtown tenure led to the publication of her book Spiritual Triage, a supportive guide for hospital staff.

Kaaren was active at Saint Bartholomew's Church, where she founded The Sunflower Connection, a program that trained parishioners to become attuned listeners to community members in need. She also served on the Altar Guild for more than two decades.

Andy's marriage to Jenny Greene and the birth of their two children, Hannah Ruth and Soren, were seminal events for Kaaren, and nothing made her happier than being their nurturing "Nannah."

She is survived by husband Steve; son Andy, daughter-in-law Jenny and her brother Jason; grandchildren Hannah Ruth and Soren; sister Patricia Bromley and her husband, Mark; nephew Ben Bromley and his wife, Barbara; nephew Alex Bromley and his wife, Lynn; niece Betsy Bleck and her husband, Steve; aunt Lucille Stone Weiman, cousin Bill Salske and his wife, Mavis; cousin Dona McGraw; cousin Jim Salske and his wife, Rebecca; cousin Kris Andersen; and cousin Kari Fox and her husband, Mark. She also is survived by host of great nieces and nephews, all dear to her heart.

BURIAL SERVICE FOR KAAREN ANDERSEN NOWICKI

When: 1:30 PM, March 9, 2024

Where: Saint Bartholomew's Episcopal Church

1790 LaVista Road NE

Atlanta, GA 30329

404-634 3336 www.stbartsatlanta.org

What: Kaaren will be honored by a full Episcopal Mass with communion available for those wishing to participate. Following the Mass, the Committal will take place outdoors at the side of the church in the St. Joseph of Arimathea Memorial Garden. After the completion of the Committal service, guests are invited to a reception to be held within the church building. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the Decatur-Dekalb YMCA or St. Bartholomew.

The service will be live streamed: Go to You Tube and search Saint Bartholomew Episcopal Church Atlanta. It will be streaming 15 minutes before the beginning of the mass