Karen Lynn Matuscak

Karen Matuscak Obituary

Karen Lynn Matuscak, Age 45, a resident of Irvine, CA, formerly of Naperville, IL, died suddenly on Monday, Jan. 5, 2009 at Irvine Regional Hospital, Irvine, CA. She was born Feb. 24, 1963 in Livonia, MI. Karen is survived by her son, Jason Kathman; her grandson, Carson Kathman; her mother, Carole, nee Smith, Matuscak of Naperville; her sister, Michelle Marie (Steve) Rathjen of Overland Park, KS and her brother, Mark Joseph (Sheila) Matuscak of Chicago, IL; and nieces and nephews, Eric and David Rathjen, Arman, Madylyn and Olivia

Matuscak. She was preceded in death by her father, Gerald J. "Jerry" Matuscak.

Karen was most recently employed with Schwarzkopf & Henkel Co., Irvine, CA as Assistant to the Vice President of Sales. Karen was a beautiful, unique and wonderful person who touched the heart and soul of all who knew her. Visitation Sunday, Jan. 11, 3 to 7 p.m. at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville. Services will begin Monday, Jan. 12, 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home and will proceed to a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret Mary Church, 1450 Green Trails Dr., Naperville. Interment SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Naperville. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to a charity of the donor's choice. For info, 630-355-0213.

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

Published by Chicago Tribune on Jan. 9, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Karen Matuscak

13 Entries

Mari Beth

December 27, 2022

Karen I want to say I love you to moon and back your best of friends MB FOREVER AND FOREVER UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN IN HEAVEN

Jason Kathman

November 27, 2010

Mom-

I love you so much. It's hard to put into words exactly how I feel. I am so blessed and fortunate to have you as a Mother. My life completely changed by meeting You. You are so unselfish, caring and loving. I love laughing with you and making you laugh. I'm so saddened that are time was so short. I never take anything for granted, everything is a blessing especially are time here on Earth. Most of all you taught me that you can take a thought and turn it into a tangible reality. You have taught me the power of thought, and the power of the mind. It has changed me life and changed my destiny...
You will always be remembered. I love you forever,

Your Son,

Jason Kathman

Dianne Sneed

February 16, 2009

I was very saddened to learn about Karen's passing. She was a very special woman with a unique quality. She was very bright and witty as well, and made me laugh a lot. I feel blessed that our paths crossed in life. I only wish I had the chance to say goodbye, at least for now and our time here on earth. She will be missed by all who knew and and cared for her. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to her family.

Lydia (Amado) Pisarski

January 16, 2009

I was lucky enough to have met Karen almost 24 years ago during the airline school and our move out to California with Debbie and Diana. I will always consider it a blessing to have met her. She was such a wonderful and fun person. I can think of so many times when she had me laughing hysterically. We remained friends even after her return to the Chicago area. Although we lost touch several years ago, I thought of her often. I know now never to wait to see or talk to the people you love. I’ve lost my chance to catch up with her and I will always regret that. I will keep her poem with me because it will remind me not only of her, but to also keep the same promises. Sending my prayers to all who loved her.

Melissa Bayles

January 12, 2009

Everyone loved Karen! She was a joy to be around. Karen always knew just what to say to cheer someone up and/or just how to make you laugh. I couldn't count the days she made my day better. I think the entire "ARL" group will miss her dearly. My personal and deepest sympathy to everyone her morns her passing especially her family.

Deanna (Dee) Engelbert

January 12, 2009

I am so very sorry (and shocked) to hear that Karen has passed on to be with our Lord. I know that she is leaving behind a large hole in our hearts. I had the privilege of becoming best friends with her in our last two years of high school upon her family's move to Omaha and then for several years after. I can honestly say that because of knowing Karen I am a much better person. Over the years, I have always remembered Karen's smile and her laugh. She had a great sense of humor and such hopes and dreams that it was electric and contagious. For the past 10 years or so we have been in touch but not enough. I always thought there would be more time. It is truly my loss not to have reconnected with her. I send my sincere and heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. May our God bless you with grace and comfort in this difficult time. Much Love, Dee

rosalie lynch

January 11, 2009

I was sad to hear of the death of your daughter, Karen, but happy to hear that you spent time together at Christmas. My prayers are with you.

Kelly Malaret

January 10, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I knew Karen from her Naperville days. She was a wonderful person who brightened my days.

Brenda Gentry

January 10, 2009

God knew what he was doing when he blessed my life with Karen. I love her and will miss her. To her family, I pray the Angels of Comfort and Peace be with you now.

Leslie Bennett

January 9, 2009

I remember Karen as a warm, engaging, funny girl. We met when we both worked for Jet America Airlines. I am so happy to have known this spirited kid who grew up to be an amazing woman. Rest in peace, beautiful girl.

Scott BARTON

January 9, 2009

I met Karen back in Ontario, CA as we were in a group training class for our new job with the airlines, Jet America. We were in the same training class, eventually moving to Long Beach, CA were our job was located upon our completion of our training. Karen with her school mate Debbie and I eventually and quickly became close and good friends. Karen and Debbie were the first people I connected with. Karen also had such style, and eligance, and class, with such a sarcastic sense of humor, that I just loved, and so did many of her friends. She had always made herself available to talk to, and always kept a confidence with those who confided in her. Karen had such a close connection with animals, even when she had not intended to, it would always just be the way it worked out with her, whether it would be dogs or cats, and even if they were not her own, she would find herself taking care of them and spoiling them. We stayed connected over the years following our employment together that ended in 1987, and remained in contact either by e-mail or phone since then. Karen would call, and we could spend 3 hours easily talking on one call, and always have a lot of laughs between us. She had a unique dialect to her speech, that I just loved to listen to her. I could not believe to hear that Karen had passed away, as it sounds as if she did not have any prolonged suffering, and that I can be thankful for. She will be missed by many, and more so by those that really got to know her. I am still in shock to hear of this sad news, and wish I could be there at her service. I had just sent her an e-mail about 5 minutes before I got the news of her passing by her close friend Debbie, who she loved dearly and could never tell me enough how much she enjoyed there times together. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends, and I have been lighting a candle every night since I got the news, and whenever I smell the scent of Mango, I will think of Karen. Karen most recently had told me how proud she was of her son and his life and her grandson, and how blessed she felt to have them in her life. She will always have a big place in my heart, and I will miss her more than these words can ever express... I hope she will find a way to connect with me, to let me know she is watching over us. I expect if anyone could, Karen would be the one to find a way!

Debbie Sloan

January 9, 2009

Karen had style, class & elegance which she prided in herself. She will be missed by many. Karen was warm, thoughtful, sarcastic (love it), funny, sincere, adventurous, free spirited, full of love & sorrow, beautiful person all the way around.

Margaret Prince

January 9, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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