Kären Ellen Stillman, 47, of Pawcatuck passed away Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, at The Westerly Hospital in Westerly.

Kären was born Sept. 29, 1960, in New London, the daughter of Jim and Jean Duerr Steele. Her mother, who predeceased her, was her best friend. Her father survives. She married Robert L. Stillman Jr. on Oct. 28, 1987, at the Seaport Meeting House in Mystic.

Kären attended local schools and went on to graduate from Saint Francis Nursing School in Pittsburgh in 1982. She spent her career as a Neurological Registered Nurse and worked at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital for 23 years until she retired due to illness. Despite her retirement, she continued to work from home running Blue Heron Charters, her husband's fishing business. Potential customers could not resist booking a charter after speaking with her; she had a wonderful way with people.

Kären will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife to her husband Bob; they were inseparable for 20 years.

In addition to her husband Bob, she is survived by her father and stepmother, Jim and Vicki Steele of Old Mystic; her daughter, Alaina M. Stillman-Potts and her husband Daniel J. Potts of Stonington; three brothers, Patrick Steele of Providence, Christopher Steele of Groton, and Daniel Steele of Noank; her sister, Gretchen Steele of Florida; her granddaughter, Kendall Lynn Potts of Stonington; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the Seaport Meeting House, Mystic Seaport, on Thursday, Feb. 28, at 2 p.m. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Kären's memory may be made to the Visiting Nurses Association of SE CT, 403 North Frontage Road, Waterford, CT 06385.

Mystic Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The Stillman Family invites you to visit www.mysticfuneralhome.co m to sign an online register book to leave a note of condolence.