Karen Lee Kelly, 82, of Evanston, died peacefully on March 15.
Karen was born June 4, 1943, in Chicago and was raised in the Avondale and Ravenswood Manor neighborhoods. She graduated from Immaculata High School in the Lakeview neighborhood and earned her registered nurse degree from St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing. Karen spent her nursing career working at several Chicagoland locations, including the Cook County Department of Health, Lutheran General Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital and the oncology department at Evanston Hospital.
When her daughter Megan entered primary school, Karen left nursing. She volunteered with Community Care at St. Athanasius Church in Evanston and was active in her community. She returned to the workforce several years later, joining Allstate Insurance. After leaving Allstate, she joined Northwestern University as an assistant in the Department of Communication Studies.
To no one’s surprise, Karen loved too many things to count. Among her favorites were artwork, movies (old and new), the beaches of the North Shore, great food (especially Lou Malnati’s) and traveling whenever it was possible. More than anything, she loved laughing with and spending time with her extensive family who were part of her life, including her beloved nieces and nephews. She was the “cool” aunt.
Karen was the mother of Megan (Scott) Solis of Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood and the beloved “Nonnie” (grandmother) of Joseph Henry Solis and Theo Solis. Close to her always, though in Memphis, Tennessee, was her brother Charles “Chuck” Pinkowski and his family, including his wife, Jenny, and their kids, Anne Marie and Kevin.
She will also be missed by her honorary son Reginald “Reg” Herde and his family in Austin, Texas.
Karen’s parents Henry Joseph Pinkowski and Lena Pisani Pinkowski died previously. The family has chosen a private green cremation. The family encourages mourners to check this website for information about the celebration of Karen’s life. Donations may be made in her name to the , who offered Karen incredible care management in recent days.
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