Karen Marie (Norris) Gale passed away surrounded by love and compassionate care following a courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. She was born on June 22, 1960, and lived 65 short—but deeply love-filled—years this side of Heaven.

Karen was often described as kind and gentle, with a natural ability to connect with people—despite her frequent insistence that she preferred animals over humans. She had an innate warmth and an easy sense of humor, a quiet way of making people feel seen and cared for, and an especially tender place in her heart for animals of all kinds.

She devoted her life and career to their care, spending more than 25 years as a veterinary technician and nearly her entire life surrounded by a rotating menagerie of domestic and wild animals. Dogs, cats, horses, birds, orphaned bunnies, squirrels, raccoons, and even a three-legged chinchilla all found safety, healing, and love through Karen. She is remembered as someone who saved countless animal lives, protected hundreds more, loved country music, her childhood hometown of Bethalto, and her family deeply, and had a special knack for spotting four-leaf clovers.

Karen is survived by her devoted husband of 47 years, Michael; her loving children Dina (Todd) Althardt and Jason (Lezli) Gale; her cherished grandsons, Caleb and Ethan Althardt; her sister, Nancy (Larry) Stassi; her brother, Matt Norris; her faithful sidekick pup, Deja; two cats; four horses; and many other beloved family members and treasured friends.

Her family finds comfort in knowing she is reunited in Heaven with her parents, Rita (Cote) and Jack Norris; her brother, John Norris; her sister, Jackie Goodbrake; and so many dear family members and friends she missed so deeply. There is no doubt she was joyfully welcomed across the Rainbow Bridge by the many faithful pets and animals she cared for throughout her life.

Deep gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to everyone at Siteman Cancer Center, especially Dr. Govindan, Megan, Rachel, and Janelle, for the compassion, dignity, and hope they showed to Karen and her family throughout her journey—along with the Touch Therapy Dogs, whose presence brought her comfort, peace, and familiar joy on some of her toughest days.

A memorial service will be planned for the spring; details to be shared when available. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that acts of kindness be performed in Karen's memory, or that donations be made to a favorite animal charity—honoring her lifelong love for all living things.

The family is being served by Herr Funeral Home, 501 W. Main Street, Collinsville, IL, 62234.