Karen Gerald Obituary

Karen Gerald, 53, of Chicago, IL. At rest after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer, on May 18, 2007 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago. She was born Oct. 1, 1953 in Evanston, IL. Karen is survived by her beloved husband, M. Bento Soares, her three children, William Wheaton, Johanna Wheaton and Francisco (Kiko) Soares, her parents, John and Shirley Gerald, her sister, Marilyn (Harry) Brautigam, her brother, Neil (Ginny) Gerald, two nieces, Claire and Anna Brautigam, and three nephews, Doug and Matt Gerald, and Harry Brautigam, Jr. Visitation will be on Thursday, May 24, 4 to 8 p.m. at the Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, 44 South Mill Street, Naperville. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 25, at 10:00 a.m . at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 1313 North Mill Street, Naperville. A private family interment will be at Northfield Township Cemetery, Northbrook, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated in memory of "Karen Gerald for Cancer Research" at Children's Memorial Hospital, 2300 Children's Plaza, Box 4, Chicago, Illinois, 60614.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on May 21, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Karen Gerald

6 Entries

Pam Stone Nicholson

January 10, 2008

I saw Karen's name in the Iowa Alumni magazine and hoped it was not the Karen I knew. I am saddened that it is. Karen and I were roommates during our freshmen year at the University of Iowa. We have not kept contact with each other but I will always remember her generous spirit and infectious laughter. We grew so much that year and we were there for each other. I remember how much Karen loved her family. I am sadder tonight because the world has lost such a beautiful soul. I am battling ovarian cancer and I hope I can do it with half the courage and grace that I'm sure Karen showed during her battle with breast cancer. Peace be with you.

Margery KuehnAnderson

May 23, 2007

To Karen's family,
To see Karen's face with that big smile brought me back to high school years. It gave me chills knowing that we are just too young to leave our families and friends behind. Karen will be in my prayers. My deepest sympathy to her family.

Susie Alexander Pomatto

May 22, 2007

To all of Karen's family and friends,

I was so saddened to see the paper this morning. First, I saw Karen's gorgeous and happy face....I remember it from early school days and high school, then I realized with sadness that she was gone from us way too young. As the story goes, she just must have passed her test faster than the rest of us. I am so glad to read the other postings today and to know that Karen was so well-loved, and had loved so well. I am glad that she was blessed with much happiness, because she surely gave it. My sister, Julie, joins me in prayer for you all. In deepest sympathy,

Sue Duggan Trommater

May 22, 2007

I was so very sad after hearing about Karen's death. The one thing I will remember is her smile and contagious laughter. She certainly could light up a room. Karen is cetainly one of the people who made my high school years memorable. (I also remember all the hair ironing going on in your house-what a thing to remember)!
Please accept John's and my sincere sympathy. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.

Betsy Hickok

May 21, 2007

To Karen's Family:

I knew Karen years ago, when she and I were both affiliated with Riverside Theatre, and I loved that she was both so vivacious and so grounded. We didn't stay in close touch, but we saw each other now and again. The last time I saw her was, of all places, at Hy-Vee--she was telling me about her recent marriage to Bento, how well her children were doing, et al. I know her passing must be difficult for all of you, but I mention this to say how much joy she had in her life--she told me she had found happiness she'd never thought possible in her life. She was glowing that day, and that is how I will always think of her. I believe this glow lives on--and I am certain that she wishes joy in the lives of those closest to her, not sorrow. Here is to celebrating the life of a beautiful woman. My thoughts are with those dear to her in this difficult time.

Nancy Schreiber Gilmore

May 21, 2007

I was saddened to hear of Karens untimely passing. I have so many fond memories of Karen and the rest of the Gerald family. When I think of high school, I think of my friend Karen. I will never forget our summer trip in the RV......Karen and I may not have spoken in a few years, but she was never forgotten. Please know that Tom and I will have all of Karen's family in our prayers.

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