The sweet heart of our family passed from this life on December 30th from complications of kidney failure. Petite in stature and an innocent by nature, Karen was known for her ever-present pink fingernails and renowned for shedding her shyness and engaging her Irish charm to engage socially with any one at any time. Karen grew up in the Greenfield Mitchell Highlands and completed Special Education programs first at Glenwood Elementary under the guidance of Mrs. Middlested and later at Hamilton High School. She began her work career at the Goodwill Sheltered Workshop, progressing to Mailroom delivery responsibilities at The Veterans Administration hospital- Woods before retiring from a similar position at the Froedert/ Medical College of Wisconsin in 2012 after ten years of service. Karen was an ardent Bingo participant and enjoyed playing in as many games as could be found. A dedicated baseball fan beginning with the Milwaukee Braves- and Eddie Matthews, she seldom missed a televised Brewers game. She especially enjoyed country music and later in life, playing bongos accompaniment. Always a keen observer and sensitive to opportunities, she was the vigilant family photographer and later in life displayed remarkable watercolor creativity and crafts skills. She is predeceased by her father John, mother Margaret, half-brother Cyril and long-time feline companion Tabby. She is survived by brother Mark (Lydia), sister Colleen (John) and brother Stephen (Cynthia) and numerous cousins. Special mention and recognition for Katie Miller RN, spouse of cousin Bryan, who individually and together provided countless hours of medical oversight, support and guidance. Additionally, sincere gratitude to the caring staff of Hickory Park Senior Living, Lutheran Home, and St. Croix Hospice for providing Karen the opportunity to live a full and dignified life during her senior years. Finally, it must be acknowledged that Karen's life and independent spirit would not have been possible without the prodigious pioneering efforts of her mother to insist on Karen's involvement in the mainstream of day-to -day living at a time when it was not as common as it is today. A funeral mass will be held at 11AM January 12th at St. Matthias Church, Milwaukee. Visitation at 10:30AM. Interment at The Southern Wisconsin Veteran's cemetery- Union Grove with her parents will follow a funeral service