Search by Name

Search by Name

Karen Elizabeth Staib Duffy

Karen Elizabeth Staib Duffy obituary

Karen Duffy Obituary

Duffy, Karen Elizabeth Staib

Karen Elizabeth Staib Duffy left her body for the last time on November 30, 2021, surrounded by her family. Karen had a hemorrhagic stroke caused by metastatic breast cancer. She was the beloved wife of Tom Duffy and loving mother of Vera, Kristina, and Dasha.

Karen, a resident of Barrington Hills, Illinois, was born and raised in Chicago. She attended St. Hillary's Elementary School and St. Scholastica High School. She received a B.A. degree from Northwestern University and a M.B.A. degree from the University of Chicago.

Karen started her career as a First Scholar with First Chicago Bank. Karen spent over twenty-five years in management, risk management, sales and business/product development, primarily in the investment banking and financial services field. Karen completed her banking career as a Managing Director at Banc One Capital Markets.

Karen's next chapter was as an Executive Coach. She trained as an Ontological Coach certified through Newfield Network's Coaching for Professional and Personal Mastery (CPPM) and was a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coach Federation. Karen's clients and colleagues spanned the globe with many becoming close, personal friends.

Karen nurtured deep, rich, enduring friendships. Once you were a friend of Karen's, you were a friend for life. Each friendship was unique and precious. Karen's friends were some of her life's treasures.

Karen was deeply spiritual. She engaged in extensive nightly meditations and explorations of her consciousness using tools acquired at the Monroe Institute. The universe was her oyster!

Karen's greatest joy was her family. Karen and Tom adopted three biological sisters as young children. She loved her daughters and loved being their mom. She was very proud of the women they are becoming.

Karen is survived by her loving husband, Tom Duffy, and their three wonderful daughters, Dasha, Kristina, and Vera. In addition, she is survived by: Elizabeth J. Staib (mother), Robert V. Staib (brother), Brenda (Tom) Dwyer (sister), Maria (Ty) Clark (sister). Nieces and nephews: Stephanie (Myles) Kaluzna, Julia Dwyer, Katie Dwyer (Austin Righeimer), Adam Clark, Mitchell Clark, Grace Clark, and Charlie Duffy. Great Niece Lucy Kaluzna. Godmother to Stephanie Kaluzna and Maggie Baetsch. Also, survived by Aunt Toni Kempf and many dear cousins. Beatrice Duffy (mother-in-law), and her in-laws, Maureen Duffy, Karen Duffy, Brian Duffy, Brendan Duffy (Joanna Moore), Dan Duffy, Tara Duffy (Rick Dunn), and Neil Duffy. She was preceded in death by Robert E. Staib (father) and T. Dennis Duffy (father-in-law). Karen will be missed by all of us.

Visitation is Sunday, December 12, 2021, from 3-7 p.m. at Davenport Funeral Home, 149 West Main St., Barrington, IL. Service is Monday, December 13, 2021, from 10-11:15 a.m. at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 647 South Dundee Ave., Barrington, IL. Burial is immediately afterwards, across the street in Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Karen's name to the following charities:

Gift of Adoption,1200 Shermer Road, Suite 111 Northbrook, IL 60062.

IIMPACT Chicago,4057 N Damen Ave. Chicago, IL 60618

Monroe Institute, 365 Roberts Mountain Road,Faber, Virginia 22938

Bring Covax-19 Vaccine back to Australia, www.gofundme.com/f/bringing-covax19-back-to-australia

Sign Guest Book at legacy.suntimes.com

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

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Dec. 11, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Karen Duffy

Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.

Not sure what to say?





0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Make a Donation
in Karen Duffy's name

Memorial Events
for Karen Duffy

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Karen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Karen Duffy's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more