Karen Barnaby Obituary
Karen Barnaby
Born May 23, 1937, and passed away on August 6, 2025. She grew up in Frankfort, IL. and was a member of the first graduating class of Lincolnway Community High School in 1955. Her marriage brought her to Connecticut where she lived for over 40 years until health concerns brought her back to Illinois to be closer to her family. She worked as a human resource manager with Cigna Insurance in Bloomfield, Connecticut. After retirement she was an active volunteer and participant in the Elmwood Senior Center in West Hartford. She was a member of Asylum Hill Congregational Church in Hartford. Karen loved Connecticut and her many friends there. She loved all animals and was a big supporter of rescue shelters and animal sanctuaries. Her many "fur babies" over the years brought her much pleasure, especially her pugs and miniature poodle Vannie. Karen appreciated the opportunity to travel, especially enjoying trips to Greece and Israel.
Karen is survived by her sister Yvonne Piepenbrink and brother Gerald (Patrice) Piepenbrink, nephews Jered (Valerie) Piepenbrink and Jeremy (Kayce) Piepenbrink, and three great nephews Jack, James, and Blake.
She was preceded by her parents Fred and Hilda (Nelson) Piepenbrink and her husband John.
Family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort IL 60423 9:30AM to 10:30AM on Saturday August 16, 2025. At that time, we will have a prayer service for Karen before we go in procession to Skyline Memorial Park in Monee, IL.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your local animal rescue shelter in Karen's name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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