I worked with Karen in North Chicago School District #187 for years before she retired. She was a gift to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Karen was a wonderful example of kindness. She advocated for the needs of all children in the district. Karen made it her mission to make sure those children had everything they needed to get a great start in life. She was a hero and will be missed.Monika Schneider

Karen has passed into eternal peace. God bless her soul. She gave so much of herself to all. I will miss her on so many levels. The trail of memories is long. Her beautiful smile, especially, will always be in my heart.

From the very first time I met Karen I was impressed by her smile and easy manner. One felt welcomed to share her time and space, wherever that may be. She was a good wife to her husband and saw him through many post Viet Nam difficulties. She loved her son deeply and did her best to provide a supportive home. We will remember her broad smile, her laugh and her gentle nature. With love, Sue and Marshall DeWolf

So sorry for your loss. When Karen was in North Chicago, she always tried to support everyone. Bonnie Boosel

Karen was a great friend to all. I can’t express how grateful I am to have known her. Our friendship started in a meeting and lasted throughout our many trials, accomplishments, and celebrations all these years later. I appreciated her so much, much like my sister, because she was always there for me in all the things. We cried together, laughed together, and above all we both grew in our goal of achieving serenity.Karen was a person who knew how to appreciate every moment of life. I remember her optimism and positive energy which radiates through all of us, and yes, I will always remember her smile which could light up a room. As I agree to take this journey into grief, I also say yes to living life more fully because of Karen’s example.The last few years of her life was hard for all of us that loved her. Even through my dear friend’s medical ordeal and eventual death, I grew emotionally and spiritually because of her in ways I never could have imagined. I feel intense pain in losing someone I loved, yet I know she is in a better place and her suffering and sadness at long last is over.I want to say goodbye to her, and I am assured that her soul will finally rest in peace.Goodbye my friend, until the day we meet again.

To Karen's son ArtyI met your mom years ago as young teachers in North Chicago. She was always full of energy and smiling! And she so often spoke of you, and always called you Arty! Your mom joined our bridge club for a while (all NC teachers) and we all enjoyed sharing stories of teaching together. Socally, your mom threw a party for our group that I'll never forget. Maybe there were six couples an we were invited for dinner. Shortly after we arrived, she paired us off (not husband/wife), gave us envelopes of recipes and some cash and directions to the grocery store. Off we all went to shop for what we were to prepare for the dinner. It was an amazing party and I still have one of the recipes for chili dip! Professionally, I left NC, but I heard from others that your mom pursued special education. Another example, of helping those who were in need of advocates and opportunities. I'll remember your mom as one who cared a great deal for others and for dedicating her career to that effect.I trust that you and the grandkids brought her great joy. May God hold her in the palm of his hand.Trish Lauraitis

Karen DeWolf was my coworker and my child's social worker for a long time in District #187. Karen stood strong as an advocate for children and for what was right and just. Karen had a heart of gold and was truly passionate about her role and the children in North Chicago. Karen will be truly missed. I offer the family my condolences along with my son who is now 20! Words cannot express our gratitude for Karen's dedication, honesty, and compassion. Heaven truly has gained an angel!

The DashBy Linda EllisI read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning... to the end.He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most was the dash between those years.For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth and now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.For it matters not, how much we own, the cars... the house... the cash. What matters most is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.So think about this long and hard; are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged.If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real and always try to understand the way other people feel.And be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.If we treat each other with respect and more often wear smile... remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.So when your eulogy is being read with your life's actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash? Karens dash was good.

Karen had a great smile and compassionate eyes. She made everyone feel welcome and important! She enriched many lives in both her personal and professional interactions....I'm sure mine is only one of many!