Karen Bez Obituary

Karen Helene Bez, 72, passed away suddenly on Dec. 22, 2019, in Chicago. Karen was born and raised in the Detroit area. She attended Lutheran West High School, graduated from Concordia University Chicago with a BA in education, and completed her Master's degree in social work at UIC. Karen was an elementary school teacher for several years before having, Jon, her only son. She returned to work administratively (as a secret union organizer) and eventually became a computer programmer. She found her true calling in social work. She went on to become a caseworker, supervisor, trainer, and curriculum writer for social workers across Illinois.

Throughout her life, Karen was involved in political and social issues. She actively worked for candidates by traveling to other parts of Illinois and neighboring states to help their campaigns. Karen was an environmentalist and supporter of immigrants. After she retired, she became an English literacy tutor for immigrants. Both professionally and personally, Karen was hugely invested in helping to eliminate racism from our culture. For over 40 years, Karen was a leader in teaching people Re-evaluation Counseling, a group that focuses on social reforms, including the elimination of racism.

Karen enjoyed playing games with her grandchildren (and letting them win), being in the company of her many friends and colleagues, playwriting, reading, traveling, gardening, fixing up houses, exuding positivity, and dreaming up possibilities.

Karen is preceded in death by parents Carl and Margaret Bez and sister Loraine Faber. She is survived by son Jonathon Bez, his wife Maggie, and their children Greta and Theo; brother Richard Bez and his wife Jill; and sister Marlene Bez. Karen loved her very good friends Sunny Gold, Mary Kay McPolin, and the Muñoz Family. There was always a special place in her heart for the Florell Family. A memorial will be planned to celebrate Karen's life in the coming months.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Aquinas Literacy Center in Chicago or the Southern Poverty Law Center.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Dec. 29, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Karen Bez

15 Entries

Barbara Gail Becker

December 22, 2021

Still missing Karen as if it just happened. She made such a big place in my life with her big heart and brilliant mind. I will always miss you Dear Karen.

Bill Leavitt

April 5, 2021

Karen was my teacher of co-counseling in the 1990s. She was great and she had catalytic a effect in my life....I will forever be indebted to her.

Linda R Wilson

June 28, 2020

We were the stalwarts of our yoga class and enjoyed many conversations with our instructor and each other. She was kind, thoughtful and caring. Rest in peace, Karen

Marie Whitney

February 7, 2020

My sympathies to Karen's family and friends. As a fellow Aquinas tutor, I can attest to the care and commitment she would have given to her student(s). Hoping many fond memories will bring you comfort when days are long.

Monico E.

January 15, 2020

On behalf of the Department of Children and Family Services and the Office of Learning and Professional Development (OLPD), I share heartfelt condolences to the family of Karen Bez. Karen was an amazing person and a valued team member with OLPD under the DCFS/GSU contract for a number of years. Her commitment to improving the lives fo vulnerable children, youth, and families and social justice was unwavering and her presence will be missed.

Craig Missel

January 14, 2020

My condolences to Karen's family and friends on the loss of an amazing mother, grandmother, sister and friend. I knew Karen as a colleague in the training office of the Department of Children and Family Services. Karen was a bright light in this life for all whose lives she touched and we are all better men women and children for having known her boundless love, compassion and care. Karen walked the talk in caring about the least among us and understood the true meaning of love for all of God's children. May Karen Rest In Peace among the Angels around us. Karen is Missed but not forgotten.

Adriana Gonzales

January 6, 2020

What a kind and loving person, she taught me so much through Re-evaluation counseling.

January 2, 2020

It's so hard to believe that Karen, who was such an active, enthusiastic, involved person and such a force for good could leave us so suddenly.

Paul Boelter

December 30, 2019

She changed my life, the lives of the people around me, and the whole world. A shinining light and never ending hope in the work for total liberation of all humans.

Jan Recinos

December 30, 2019

I met Karen through RC. She was such a good teacher and person. She was always smiling . The photo is perfect. Im sincerely sorry for your loss and her passing from the world too soon!
Jan Recinos

Laura Halap

December 29, 2019

Such a beautiful tribute to an amazing woman. She will be deeply missed. I am honored to have known her through my mother. Deepest sympathies to all.
Sincerely, Laura Halap (Sunny's daughter)

Christina Zentner

December 29, 2019

Thank you for reaching out to me via email. I was Karen's therapist for her shoulder at St Joseph's hospital and grew very fond of her during the time we worked together. I work with many people, but few make such a positive impression as Karen did upon me. Her joy was contagious. The sudden nature of her passing shocked me as I anticipated seeing her again after her recent surgery. I'm so sorry for your family's loss. You should know that she often spoke very lovingly about you.
Sincerely,
Christina Zentner

December 29, 2019

Dearest Friends and Family of our Beloved Karen. She has changed our lives and the world around her.
My friend, my teacher my beloved Karen. I cannot even describe how much I already miss you.
Love,
Barbara

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