Member Spotlight: Karen Angleson

On Family 

I’ve lived in the Queensbury area for most of my life. I was born in Troy and we moved to Bolton Landing when I was in second grade. I graduated from Bolton Central School with 12 kids in my class. From there, I went to St. Peter’s Nursing School. I worked at St. Peter’s for a short time, and then I met my husband who was from Glens Falls. When we got married, we decided to move into a home in Queensbury, and I took a job at Glens Falls Hospital. We lived in that house for a few years while we built a home, which is the home I currently live in. I’ve lived there for over 58 years! 

We had two children, both boys, and they went to Queensbury Schools. One lives in Schenectady, and the other lives in Denver, and I have three wonderful grandchildren. Knowing that they are all happy and successful is one of the greatest personal accomplishments in my life. 

On Career

I worked as a nurse for over 30 years at Glens Falls Hospital, the last 19 of which I was the Director of the Operating Room. 

I had initially planned on being a math teacher. I loved math in school. But during my senior year, one of my classmates was diagnosed with cancer. My classmates and I would go to visit him in the hospital. The experience of being in a hospital setting and watching the care that the nurses provided there inspired me to pursue a career in nursing instead. 

I went to nursing school at St. Peter’s Hospital, and eventually I went on to get my Bachelors and Masters in Healthcare Administration. 

On Retirement

I retired in 1999, just before I turned 60. I was awfully glad I did, because soon after, my husband got sick and was diagnosed with cancer. He died just four years later. Those early retirement years allowed me to spend more time with him, and to care for him too. 

I have quite a few friends in my neighborhood, so in my early retirement we got together often to play bridge or go bowling. One of the women that I bowled with was a travel agent, so she encouraged me to go on a lot of trips. We went to Italy, Ireland, and Scotland. It was a lot of fun! 

It has really been a fun ride. I don’t have any regrets! 

On QSC 

I joined QSC a few years after my husband died, so I’ve been a member for over 20 years. Since I’d enjoyed traveling so much with my friends, the first thing that caught my eye was the trips. There has always been a great travel program here. I also play Bridge on Thursdays, and attend the other programs and events when I can! 

I’ve also volunteered here at the front desk for quite a while! I’ve always been one to like to meet people. I’ve really enjoyed it!