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Karen Dru Duffy Phelps

1949 - 2022

BORN

1949

DIED

2022

Karen Dru Phelps Obituary

Phelps, Karen Dru (Duffy)

73, of Chicago, IL, passed away on September 28, 2022. Born May 9, 1949, Gary, Indiana.

Published author, educator, mentor, and poet.

Treasured mother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Survived by daughters Kristine Phelps and Lori Phelps, sisters Sandra Bennett and Kathleen Schomaker, and countless nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Preceded in death by brother Bob Duffy, parents Lyle and Lillian, and beloved grandmother Signe.

Memorial service held previously at Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago.

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To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Nov. 1, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
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Wendy walker Torretto

August 30, 2025

Did Karen graduate from wirt high school in Gary in in 1967?

Lori

May 10, 2025

May the angels sing to you the most joyous melodies as we remember and celebrate your precious life.

Happy Birthday in heaven!

Lori

September 29, 2024

Remembering you today and evermore...

Bruce Belfiore

July 25, 2023

I am so so sorry to hear of Dru's passing, and I thank Kris for the email you sent me today. Dru was an enthusiastic, wonderful person with an infectious smile and personality - - unforgettable. My fond memories of Dru are "bookended" by the first time I met her (the day after a Leon Russell concert - she was still on a music high) and one of the last times I was with her, which was at a Leon Russell concert. She shared such energy and passion in everything she did. May she rest in peace - - and keep moving to the music up in heaven!

Lori

May 9, 2023

Thinking of you on your Birthday and wanted to share your smile here today!

With love,

joe Motis

February 1, 2023

My Deepest sympathy Kris and Lori.
Your Mom and I had a lot of special times together and we were a family together for a shining moment. Dru and I stayed in touch over the years and I was just searching on the net to email her. Was listening to Mellemcamp one of our favorite singers incidentally a Hoosier. Glad we went back to Chicago and saw her life from her perspective. A lot of your relatives her sisters GreekTown Museum of Science and Industry Mexico any place there was water .Lil was a real kick too. What a sense of humor.
Hope both of your lives have turned out successful. I am retired from L.A. County for four years went after thirty three years of service. Living in downtown on 7th in a 118 year old bungallow.
I think about all of you.
Love, prayers and hugs

Joe Motis

Oscar A.Mischan Jr.

December 12, 2022

I am sorry to learn of Karens passing,We went together for about 3 years in the mid 60s not a good breakup,Regetfully Oscar Mischan

Rick Ede

November 2, 2022

My sincerest condolences .. she was such a fun and happy lady .. Heaven will be a much happier place with her there!

Nancy Fay-Muzar

November 2, 2022

You will always be remembered for your big, bright smile. The kind and lovely person that you were.

Kris & Lori

November 1, 2022

Please help us celebrate a life well lived as you are welcome and encouraged to post your favorite picture or story of our Mom when leaving thoughts, memories, and prayers.

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

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