About Karen
Karen Ann Lee Diliberti — devoted matriarch, community servant, and joyful maker.
Early Life & Education
Born in Spring Valley, Illinois, and raised in a farming community, Karen learned the value of hard work and of appreciating life within one’s means.
She graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and married in February 1970.
Career & Service
Karen served as a nurse and secretary for the Zion Elementary Schools. After retiring from the school system, she worked at Maves Chiropractic Clinic and later at Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
She spent many years volunteering with Zion E.S.D.A. (Emergency Services and Disaster Agency), staying closely connected to the community.
Adventures & Hobbies
In retirement, Karen and her husband loved to travel—especially spending winters in New Mexico and Arizona, catching Chicago Cubs Spring Training and visiting lifelong friends.
Her talents were wide-ranging: gardening flowers and vegetables, playing card and board games, solving puzzles, baking and cake decorating, and crafting through sewing, knitting, and crochet.
Family & Community
Karen cheered at countless activities and sporting events for her children and grandchildren and loved hosting everyone to watch the big games together.
She offered steady guidance and inclusiveness, welcoming many “bonus children” into her life. Time with family and friends was one of her greatest joys.
Guiding Wisdom
“Love the one you are with. Give them a hug, a kiss and say please and thank you every day. Don’t take any of it for granted as you don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Love the world and all your people that are in it!”