Karen V. Solano, Beloved Mother, Friend, Daughter, Sister and Registered Nurse of Fredericksburg, TX was called home on August 25th 2020 after a short battle with Cancer. She was 63 years young.
Karen Was Born in East Texas to Weldon Merkel and Yvonne Johnson and Was a loving Mother to Her three Children, Matthew Solano if Austin, TX, Christina Toliver(and Justin Toliver) of Bertram, TX and Arthur Solano(Brandi Solano) of Clarkston, WA Karen Graduated Grace Davis Highschool in Modesto California. She married her High School sweetheart together they Had her three Children. As a single mom Karen was an exceptional woman and worked hard to ensure her children had everything they needed. Later Karen decided to move to Hawaii and she realized that she wanted to follow in her Mothers footsteps and become a Registered Nurse. With three children and a full time job, she was accepted into University of Hawaii, Kauai Nursing school. It was not long after achieving her LVN She later enrolled in Modesto City College and received her degree in Nursing. Karen Worked at Doctors hospital and Memorial hospital in Modesto and Later saint Marys hospital in Reno and sparks, Nevada. Eventually Texas was calling her back and she found herself in Austin working at Brakenridge hospital in the NICU. Not long after returning to Austin, Karens Father became ill and she moved to Fredericksburg to be closer to her parents. After her Father was admitted to Windcrest nursing home she started working there. She always said she disliked Geriatrics and it ended up being a passion of hers. Karen’s Father passed and she later went on to work at places such as knopp, Heritage Place and Tri-Star ranging from Charge nurse to Director of Nursing. Karen was an exceptional Nurse and her care to detail was unchallenged. She always enjoyed working with everyone in the medical community. Karen found the New Love of her Life in her Late Husband Kevin Welch, together they lived with their dog Lola and Life was wonderful. In 2018 Kevin Passed away of lung Cancer and in November of 2019 Karen was diagnosed with Stage 3 Melanoma. She fought until she no longer could and she chose to spend her final days at home with her daughter.
Karen is survived by her Mother Yvonne Johnson, Her Three children(Matthew, Christina and Arthur), Her Big Brother Robert Merkel(Donna Merkel), Her Sister Penny Marcellus, Her Sister Penny Ann Merkel(Jerry Merkel), Her two Cousins and her Five Granddaughter’s, one Grandson, eight nieces and nephews.
Karen is proceeded in death by Her Father Weldon Merkel, her Big Brother Jerry Merkel, Her Grandma Vada, Her “Pops”, Her Aunts Mildred and Snooks, Her Uncle Bill and Aunt Pat Collins, Her Cousin Kristi Collins, Her Grandmother in-love Martha Verville, Her Beloved dog Lola, her Ex Husband Ronald Solano and Her Husband Kevin Welch. Her Daughter would like to give a special thanks to Hill Country Memorial Hospital for they’re care, especially Linda, William, Laura, Audra and David. A big thanks to all her loving family in Fredericksburg that was with her and her Mother in their time of need, their support and respect for Karens wishes… especially at the end…, was so needed and will never be forgotten! A special thanks to the Radiology team at Hill Country memorial hospital and Doctor Murray as well and Eric and Melissa at Green Cremations of Texas. All of these individuals helped tend to her with dignity, compassion an respect. Karen was a patriot and ask that you help make america great again and instead of flowers please donate to the trump campaign or to the American Cancer Society.