Karen M. Picard

Karen M. Picard, a dedicated healthcare professional and passionate animal lover, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025, in Nashville, TN at the age of 80.

Born in 1945, Karen dedicated over four decades of her life caring for others as a compassionate and highly skilled Nurse Practitioner. Her dedication to her patients was unwavering, and she was known by colleagues and patients alike as a tireless and steadfast worker who always went the extra mile.

Outside of her impactful career, Karen’s greatest love was reserved for her family and the countless animals she adored. She found immense joy in the company of her pets and even cooked for them daily. She will be remembered for her strong work ethic, her kind heart, and the devotion she showed to her community.

Karen is survived by her loving son, James Picard, and his wife, Jacqueline Picard; her cherished grandchildren, Wyatt and Leigha Picard; her brother, Richard Riley, and his wife, Joann Riley; and her niece, Christina McHam. She also leaves behind her great-niece and great-nephew, Stella and Noah.

A memorial will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home in Columbia, TN.

Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to local animal welfare organizations, in honor of Karen’s lifelong love of animals.