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July 15, 1943 February 18, 2024
July 15, 1943 -- February 18, 2024

Karen Lynne Vallone, Age:80

In Loving Memory of Karen Vallone: Wife, Mom, Grandma, Aunt, Cousin, and Friend.

With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to our sweet Mom, Karen Vallone, a cherished soul who departed from this world, leaving behind a legacy woven with threads of love, creativity, and giving. Karen passed away peacefully, surrounded by the warmth of her family who loved her so dearly and the memories of a life lived fully. 

Karen is survived by her husband, Charles Vallone; son, Peter (Toni) Vallone; daughter, Vicki (Andrew) Forquer; and granddaughter, Abigail (Donald) Williams-Stankewicz.

Karen was born July 15, 1943, and grew up in the Wrigleyville area with her parents Joseph and Helen De Franco (‘Bo and Red’), and her older sister Barbara.  She attended St. Benedict’s grammar and high school. She married Chuck Vallone on May 7, 1966, a marriage that lasted over 57 years. She brought her children, Pete and Vicki, into the world in 1969 and 1975.  Karen had multiple jobs working at Motorola, Continental Insurance, St. Odilo’s school, Oak Park Hospital, a law firm in downtown Chicago, and finally retired from Edward Don.

Some of the best and most lasting memories people have of Karen are her cooking, baking, and welcoming people into her home over the years.  Many people still remark on their favorite baked goods be it a cheesecake, carrot cake, custard pie, pizzelles, rosettes, and many more.  If she knew you were going to be at a family event she’d insist on making your favorite.  She was always happy to pass down a recipe for you to try out on your own (she never kept them secret). These sweet delights brought joy to all who had the privilege of tasting them.

Karen found solace and joy within the pages of books. Her love for reading was a constant in her life and ranged from Stephen King to Piers Anthony to Clive Cussler.  From hard backs, to paperbacks, to the Kindle, Karen was always reading.

Christmas time brought about many different treats. The baked goods were made in mass and shared, either brought to parties, eaten in-house, or served as a foundation for ornate Christmas baskets made with her friend.  Those who received the baskets were in for an experience that store-bought versions could never rival.

Karen's talents were not limited to the culinary arts alone. With nimble fingers and a creative spirit, she embraced the art of crochet, transforming simple strands of yarn into intricate works of art. To this day we can’t estimate how many blankets were crocheted and given for a new baby, a wedding, or just to try out a new pattern - all made with craftsmanship and love.

Karen leaves behind a legacy of warmth, creativity, and giving that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. Though Karen may have bid farewell to this earthly realm, her kind spirit will live on in the cherished memories she leaves behind and the countless lives she has touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The American Macular Degeneration Foundation (https://www.macular.org/), in honor of Karen.  And in the spirit of Karen, welcome a new friend into your home for a holiday, try making one of her recipes, give an unsolicited gift to someone you love, or learn to crochet.  Or just look at some gift she gave you over the years (be it a blanket, chicken doorstop, or some whimsical decoration) and smile and think of her, she would enjoy that. 

Her family would like to thank all their friends and family who have shown support over the past several years of her illness.  Whether it be visiting, bringing food, a simple phone call, or having lended support to her husband and children.

A Celebration of Karen's Life will be held on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024 from 2pm until 7pm with services at 6pm at the Olson Burke/Sullivan Funeral and Cremation Center, 6471 N. Northwest Hwy., Chicago, Il. 60631.

Rest in peace, our dear Karen. Your light will continue to shine bright in our hearts forever.

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Condolences

Mickey and Arlene Spidale February 20, 2024

Friend Des plaines , Illinois

Maxwell Scout Forquer February 20, 2024

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Very sorry about the loss of Karen, wishing you all well.

Donald P Melton February 21, 2024

Friend Covington , Kentucky

Chuck, Peter, Vicki and Abby. Annette and I are so glad that we had the opportunity to meet Karen, and knew wright off that we liked her, and that she was a sweet lady. We are just sorry for the loss and that we didn't get to have more time with her. We know without a doubt that she will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Don & Annette

Julie Walsh February 21, 2024

Co-Worker and Friend of Andy Huntington Beach , California

Andy and Vicki - So sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved mom. Please know your Blue-White family is keeping you in thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Enter your name February 22, 2024

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