Karen Faye (Chestnut) Wildman, 65, of Washington, passed away Friday, March 17 in her home after battling a rare and aggressive cancer for several weeks
She was born May 15, 1957 in Terre Haute, Indiana to Melinda Jane and Clarence Chestnut, who both preceded her in death.
A graduate of West Vigo High School with advanced degrees from DePauw University and Indiana University, she worked for nearly two decades as a school psychologist for the Daviess-Martin Special Ed Co-Op, serving as a constant advocate for students in need of additional resources.
She then spent her retirement volunteering for many local causes (most notably Washington Senior Family Services and Bethel United Methodist Church) and being a friend to anyone who needed one. She spent her weekends folding laundry and marveling at her grandchildren’s energy. When at home, she enjoyed having a cup of coffee outside and collecting the many stray golf balls that landed in her yard from the course next door.
She is survived by her two daughters and their spouses, Megan and Matt Riney, and Robin Wildman and Kevin Mahadeo; her grandchildren, Milo, Marshall, and Malcolm Riney; her former husband Robert Wildman; her brother Don Chestnut and his wife Carol; several nieces and nephews; a lifetime of friends; and her beloved teacup poodle, Peanut.
Services will be held Thursday, March 23 at Goodwin Sievers Funeral Home in Washington at 1 pm with visitation from 11 am to 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Washington Senior Family Services.
