Karen Kirkby

Karen Pearson Kirkby of Bartlett died August 24, 2018. Karen was born September 27, 1942 in Anaconda, Montana. She is survived by her loving and loyal son, Brandon (Vanessa) of Camas, WA, son Brian of suburban Chicago, sister Kris (Bob) Hoggard of Portland, OR, brother Bob (Marcia) Pearson of Payson, AZ, Renee (Ryan) Beall, grandson Jake (Victoria) Tripoli, granddaughters Charis, Madison and Mia, great granddaughter Addison and life companion and loving partner in all things fun, Ralph Tovar of Bartlett. She was also greatly loved by her nieces and nephews as well as her many foreign exchange student children who continue to love her from around the world. Karen was proceeded in death by her parents Carl and Dorothy Pearson, her aunt Lil and her late husband Steve Kirkby.

Karen earned her B.S. degree from Montana State University and eventually moved to Bartlett in 1977 where she was an independent insurance agent and then joined Hausman Kunkel, Inc. until she retired. During this time she forged life-long friendships with her neighbors on Redwood Lane. Karen taught everyone she knew compassion, laughter and a deep appreciation for community service. She was a pioneer for women being the first female member of the Bartlett Rotary Club and became involved in the Youth Exchange program being host-mother to 14 students from all over the world. She was a member of Living Christ Lutheran Church for over 40 years. She also became a member of Beta Sigma Phi Social Sorority in 1971 where she dedicated countless years of service to various charities and community projects. To put it simply, Karen bestowed her time, compassion and genuine sense of human connection to everyone she met.

Karen will be remembered as one of the rare gems in a world of ordinary stones. Visitation Friday, August 31, 2018 3:00p.m. - 9:00p.m. at the Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory 950 South Bartlett Rd. (at Stearns Rd.) Bartlett. Funeral Saturday, September 1st lying in state1:30p.m. until the time of funeral service 2:00p.m. at Living Christ Lutheran Church 1402 Arlington Dr. Hanover Park. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation 110 East 42nd St. 16th floor New York, NY 10017 or www.alzinfo.org. (630) 289-7575 or www.countrysidefuneralfuneralhomes.com.