Karin Plym Forshell- Velander's Obituary
Karin Plym Forshell-Velander, 86, of Miami Beach, Florida, passed away on March 20, 2025, in Dallas, Texas, surrounded by her loving family.
Karin was born February 27, 1939, in Stockholm, Sweden, to parents Filip and Tora Plym Forshell. She grew up in Ostermalm and attended Nya Elementar for Girls secondary school. Following graduation, she enrolled in medical school at Karolinska Institute, where she met her first husband, Sten Orrenius. Together they had three children, Philip, Christian and Pia. She practiced medicine at Karolinska and Sabbatsberg Hospitals in Stockholm.
Karin immigrated to Chicago in 1978 with her second husband, Hakan Velander, and practiced medicine in Illinois and Indiana for over 35 years, specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery. As one of the few female physicians in her field, she was a pioneer who had many accomplishments spanning a long career. She served as president of the North Side Branch of the Chicago Medical Society and was a member of the medical staff of The Methodist Hospitals in Gary and Merrillville, Indiana, where in addition to her medical practice, she served as director of Quality Assurance.
A lifelong ambassador of Swedish culture, she was active in the U.S.-Swedish community and was a long-term member of the Swedish Women’s Educational Association.
Upon retiring in 2014, Karin moved to Miami Beach where she became an avid beachgoer and valued member of her community. She served as HOA Secretary of her condominium and enjoyed close friendships with her beloved neighbors. Over the years, she worked hard on completing many “bucket list” items including trips to Sevilla for Holy Week, Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Copper Canyon in Chihuahua, Mexico, and the Sante Fe Opera in New Mexico. In 2023, her children and grandchildren from throughout the world reunited for a birthday cruise in the Caribbean in her honor.
Karin recently relocated to Dallas, Texas, to be close to her daughter and grandchildren.
Karin will always be remembered for her warm and engaging personality, which made an unforgettable impression on all who met her. Her encyclopedic knowledge of almost any topic made for great conversations. Her love for people, animals, gardening, music, travel, and food were true hallmarks of her life.
Karin’s family would like to thank the dedicated care teams at The Villages at Lake Highlands, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, DaVita Central Dallas, and her many doctors and caregivers.
Karin is survived by her loving children, Philip (Annette), Christian (Barbara), and Pia (Tony); cherished grandchildren, Robin, Max, Katja, Noé, and Sophia; great granddaughter Leah; brother Eugen; niece Helena and nephew Henrik.
A memorial service celebrating Karin’s life will be held on Monday, March 24, at 11:00 a.m., at Christ Lutheran Church, 3001 Lovers Lane, in Dallas, Texas.
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