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KAREN GLEASON Obituary

Karen Irene Gleason (nee Cserep). Age 69, of Joliet, passed away on April 30, 2011. Karen was the loving mother of Rae Marie (Chris) and Kelly Andrew (Josephine); grandmother of Julianne, Alexander, Elaine and Elizabeth; fond sister of Agnes (Paul), Barbara, William (Patricia) and Robert (Pamela); sister-in-law of Lorraine; a beloved aunt and great-aunt, and a friend to many. Karen was preceded in death by her brothers Elmer and Michael; and her sisters Eleanor (Chester) and Carole. Karen grew up on the southeast side of Chicago near Hegewisch, and attended Henry Clay School and CVS High School. Independent and self-sufficient, she worked hard to support herself and raise her children. Karen made many friends wherever she worked or lived. She was admired and respected for the strong work ethic she learned as a young girl working in her family's business, "The Harbor Lights Boat Club". Her most recent places of employment include the Joliet Public Library, Black Road Branch, the New York Times call center in Orland Park, her own business "PARCELS, ETC" in Palos Heights, and RCA Service (later GE then Thomson) in Alsip and Lombard. For Karen, running her "PARCELS, ETC" store was a fulfillment of one of her life's ambitions. She aspired to be a successful entrepreneur like her father Andy, whom she lost when she was only twenty. Karen was proud of her parents and sought to repeat their success. Karen was also a devoted daughter to her mother Amelia, whom she and her siblings helped take care of for many years. Karen's determination, patience, generosity and sense of humor will be forever missed; and for those lucky enough to know her, we will appreciate her kindness, love and friendship as a gift as well as an enduring example. The nature of her spirit can be measured by the love we feel for her and the void we face in her absence. Funeral services for Karen Gleason will be Thursday, May 5, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home Chapel, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Interment Beverly Cemetery, Blue Island. Visitation Wednesday, from 5 to 9 p.m., and Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. until time of services. For information, please call 815-741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on May 3, 2011.

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Phyllis Abernathy

April 27, 2021

Karen gave me two beautiful jackets and whenever I wear them people love the jackets and I always receive compliments. Karen had a loving and giving spirit. I will always remember her love for working at the Black road branch library.

Phyllis Abernathy

May 7, 2011

I worked with Karen at the Joliet Public Library Black Road Branch. She was an inspiration to me. She always had me laughing and thinking. She was a great listener and a wonderful person. I am blessed to have been able to call her a friend. I love Karen and will miss, her my condolences go out to her family. kelly we never met but talked on the phone you had a wonderful mother. May God bless you and your family and give you strength and joy .

Palermo Family

May 4, 2011

Our love and thoughts as you go through this difficult time. ~God Bless!
Margie, Chuck, Sara & Charlie

Jane Hoggard

May 4, 2011

To Kelly and Rae Marie and to my cousins Aggie, Barb, Bill and Bob:
My deepest sympathy to all of you on the loss of your mother and sister. The pictures that we all viewed recently hold wonderful memories of Karen and your family. Please know that I am thinking and praying for you during this difficult time.

Love to all of you.

Jim Johnston

May 4, 2011

We will miss Karen. The Branch was always a bit less cheerful when she left. Our condolences to her family. Jim Johnston, retired Library Director , Joliet Public Library

Steve & Marlene Kluch

May 3, 2011

Kelly, Rae & Families,
Our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are being sent your way. We share in your loss and find comfort to know that she has found peace and is no longer suffering. We all have wonderful memories and some great pictures to help get through this most difficult time. She will be greatly missed by the many who loved her and appreciated all of her wonderful talents.
Love you guys!!!

Kathy Carter

May 3, 2011

I knew Karen for such a short time, but she touched my heart with her kindness and laughter. She will truly be missed.

Carol Darwent

May 3, 2011

I first met Karen at the Palos-Orland Business and Professional Women (BPW), then was a regular customer of her at Parcels,Etc. I would go in for a quick minute and then we would talk for an hour! She was a unique and original person. My condolences to her family and may she rest in peace.

Karen Gleason - 1959

May 3, 2011

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