Karen Ardean Wisdom

Karen Ardean Wisdom, a loving matriarch and cherished grandmother, passed away peacefully in her home in St. Peters, Missouri, on October 19, 2025. Born on September 12, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri, Karen dedicated her life to her family, embodying the roles of mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother with unwavering devotion.

After her retirement, Karen proudly took on the title of professional grandma, embracing her responsibilities with grace and joy. Her beloved children, Sabra (Christopher) Cordia, Sam (Jennifer) Wisdom, and Julia Hardin, often reflect on the love and care she lavished upon them, always being there for each of them throughout their lives. They will forever carry the warmth of her nurturing spirit in their hearts.

Karen’s joy multiplied with the arrival of her grandchildren: Ryan Shannon, Erica (Brian Latal) Shannon, Brendan Shannon, Joshua (Jennifer) Cordia, Alexis (Wesley) Callison, Jacob (Casey) Cordia, Patrick Cordia, Rebecca (Sean) Rutledge, Lynn (Darryl) Waldrup, Nicole (Tom) Mielke, Corie (David) Patton, Drew Hardin, and Jonathan Farley. With a bright smile and a twinkle in her eyes, she adored each moment spent with them. Nothing delighted her more than the lively laughter of her great-grandchildren—Carter, Evan, Elsa, Aedan, Evelyn, Emilia, Connor, Eloise, Mason, Payton, Gunnar, Scarlette, Lilly, Theodore, and Jaxton—who brought boundless joy to her life. Her heart would light up whenever they walked into the room, as she immersed herself in timeless games and shared stories filled with love.

Known for her loving, onery, and wise nature, Karen was a beacon of strength and courage. She was not only a patient listener but also an advocate for her family, always willing to stand up for them. Her faithfulness as a steward of the Lord shone brightly throughout her life, as did her deep love for God and the values she instilled in those around her.

Karen enjoyed a variety of hobbies, from birdwatching and quilting to mastering the art of baking delightful treats. Her passion for learning was evident in her love for educational programming, especially history and nature, and her occasional indulgence in murder mysteries.

She is survived by her sister Sandra (Al) Hagelman, her son-in-law Kevin Shannon, and a multitude of beloved family members and friends who were touched by her remarkable spirit. While they celebrate the indelible mark Karen left on their lives, they also remember with heavy hearts the family members who welcomed her into the eternal embrace: her husband, Vernon Wisdom; her dear daughter, Ardean Shannon; her beloved sons, James Wisdom and Matthew Wisdom; her granddaughter, Mashayla Prater; and her parents Harold and Ardean Graney.

In the beautiful tapestry of life that Karen wove, her proudest accomplishments were reflected in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and warmth that will be cherished forever.

Visitation will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home, St. Peters, Missouri, on October 27, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 3:00 PM and a celebration of her life from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. As friends and family gather to remember her, they will undoubtedly find comfort in the memories that live on in their hearts.