Karen Delaney Shideleff, 43, of Ferndale, PA, died of ALS on January, 18, 2017 at home, surrounded by her family. She was born in Camp Hill, PA on April 1, 1973 to Laurence and the late Lorraine (Reich) Delaney.

Karen graduated from Abington High School in 1991, and received a BS in Psychology from Temple University in 1996. She went on to earn a Diploma in Nursing from Frankford Hospital School of Nursing in 1998, graduating summa cum laude.

She started her nursing career at Abington Memorial Hospital in 1999, working on the Medical/Surgical floor. In 2000, she moved to Labor and Delivery, where she found her calling. Karen loved helping her patients bring new lives into the world, and shared in their joy, but also provided compassionate care to those experiencing unthinkable sorrow. Additionally, she taught childbirth education classes and was often asked to train new nurses to the floor. In 2006 Karen transferred to the Abington Surgical Center where she was a dedicated and skilled nurse, who treated her patients with warmth and respect. She was admired by physicians and staff and always brought her positive personality to the workplace.

Karen enjoyed reading, playing games, making jewelry, traveling, and relaxing days at the shore. She loved her dogs, Wilbur and Stanley, and volunteered at an animal rescue. Karen made people feel special, and always did thoughtful things for others. Her zest for life has inspired countless people to live fuller lives.

Karen was a dedicated advocate for people with ALS. She was a Board member of the ALS Association, Greater Philadelphia Chapter and served as the Chair of the Patient and Family Services Committee. On the national level, she was a member of the ALS Patient Advisory Panel, worked on the ALS Drug Development Guidance for the FDA, and was a NEALS Research Ambassador. She lived her beliefs, participating in many ALS clinical trials, raising awareness, and educating others.

Karen is survived by her husband of 15 years, Robert Shideleff, her father Laurence (Patricia) Delaney of Warrington, her sisters Susan (Michael) Delaney-Acquaviva of Horsham, Kathryn Thomas of Bethlehem, Christine (Gary) Cohen of Willow Grove, her step-sister Denise (Joseph) Tecce of Clifton Heights , her nephews Brian and Kyle Acquaviva, Benjamin Thomas, and her nieces Madeline Thomas and Emily Cohen. Karen is predeceased by her loving mother, Lorraine (Reich) Delaney, and her grandparents.

A Celebration of Karen’s Life will be held Sunday, February 12, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the Talamore Country Club, 723 Talamore Drive, Ambler, PA 19002. It was Karen’s wish that this be a joyous event. She loved colors and prints, so please dress accordingly.

Contributions in Karen’s memory, tagged for research, may be made to the ALS Association, Greater Philadelphia Chapter, 321 Norristown Road, Suite 260, Ambler, PA 19002, or online at https://www.alsphiladelphia.org/donate-online.

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