KAREN IRENE GLEASON

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.