Karen J. Walsh

Beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 30, 2024 at Lightways Hospice Home, surrounded by her family. She was 75 years old when she passed peacefully due to complications from dementia.

Karen is survived by her loving children Neal (Kim) Kruchten, Carrie (Brian) Moore, Michael (Trish) Kruchten and Jamie (David Cornfield) Gahan, as well as eleven cherished grandchildren Emily, Claire, Abbey, Hannah, Lauren, Makenzie, Jake, Justin, Karly, Matthew and Grace. She is also survived by her sister Denise Provenzano (née Kenefick) and her companion Randy Kemp.

She was preceded in death by her father William “Bill” Kenefick, mother Loretta “Mona” Kenefick (née Lawler) and sister Doreen Marin (née Kenefick).

Born on September 3, 1949 in Chicago, Karen dedicated her life to caring for others. She graduated from the first Joliet Junior College nursing class and spent many years as an ICU nurse at Silver Cross Hospital before becoming a Case Manager at Provena St. Joseph Medical Center. Her compassion and dedication to her patients left a lasting impact on all who knew her. In her free time, Karen enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren, gardening, painting, bird watching, and finding beauty in the simple joys of life. Her warmth and kindness will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Visitation will be held at Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Rd., Thursday, October 3rd from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 Brook Forest Ave. Shorewood, Friday at 10:00 A.M. Memorials to Lightways Hospice will be appreciated.