Alice Karen Sarasin (Latola)

She was born on May 22, 1937, to John and Alice (Blanck) Latola. She was born, raised, and educated in Gwinn, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula (U. P.). She was baptized, confirmed, and married at Grace Lutheran Church in Gwinn, Michigan. She graduated from Gwinn High School, in 1955 and Augustana Hospital School of Nursing (Chicago, Illinois), in 1958. She married Vernon Sarasin, on September 5, 1959.

She worked as a nurse and administrator at Forest Hospital for 39 years. While at Forest Hospital, she received certifications in Mental Health Psychiatric Nursing and Nursing Administration. During her career, she held several supervisory positions including RN Supervisor, Director of Nursing, and Associate Administrator for all clinical services. After retiring from this position, she held nursing positions at Alexian Brothers and Northwest Community Hospitals. She was awarded nurse of the year, at both Forest and Alexian Brothers Hospitals. Her accomplishments included presenting and publishing in the field of mental health. She was a leader in the organization and management of health care systems and was instrumental in reconstructing an older hospital to a modern behavioral health facility for patient care.

She was proud of her children’s accomplishments and loved spending time with her family. A particular joy came from sharing musical events with her grandchildren. Having been born in the U.P., she liked nature and activities associated with all seasons, such as skiing and visits to the U.P. each summer. She enjoyed her active membership in P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Chapter JM. As a member of this organization, she valued the ability to assist women with their educational goals, such as providing support for Cottey College. She focused on participating in various church-related activities, which maintained her strong faith and those of others.

She lived in Mount Prospect, Illinois for 44 years and participated in activities, which included the Mount Prospect Nurses’ Club. After moving to Arlington Heights, Illinois at Luther Village, she participated in activities, which included attending lectures on the history of music, health classes, and taking walks around the beautiful grounds. She grew in her faith journey by attending bible study and mid-week and Sunday church services. Her faith sustained her through the challenges of medical problems. Through her engagement in her work and friendships, she impacted and influenced the lives of many.

Survivors include her husband, Vernon Sarasin; three children, Mark (Eileen) Sarasin of Mount Prospect, Illinois, Barbara (Douglas Nicklaus) of Antioch, Illinois, Karen Jane (Donald Mead) of Arlington Heights, Illinois; four grandchildren, Adam, Jonathan, and Anna Mead and Evan Sarasin; sister, Norma (William) Maki of Arlington Heights, Illinois, and sister-in-law, Carol Sarasin of Townsend, Massachusetts, along with numerous nephews and a niece.

In lieu of a service at this time, the family will be holding a memorial service at Grace Lutheran Church in Gwinn, Michigan, this summer. Memorials may be directed to the following: Grace Lutheran Church, 558 West State Highway M35, P.O. Box 1114, Gwinn, Michigan 49841, Phone: (906) 346-3156, Email:GraceinGwinn@yahoo.com or a charity of your choice.