Karen Haddon Obituary

Mike and Jake,

Although the time with your wife and mother were short, I know you cherished every moment as all the others around her did.



Greco Family

Jeff, Kathy, Carmen and Emily

Jake,

Putting into words exactly what we wish to say is not easy. This emptiness in our hearts will exist forever. Your mother was a fun and non judgmental women who cared for all those around her. You will always be surrounded by friends and family who love you very much. Take care of your Dad now Jake and be strong.



Ed, Monica, Eamon and Molly Wantuch

The very first time we met Karen we wished Mike would marry her. She made all family events more fun. She was so kind and generous and always smiling. The picture we carry in our minds is always Karen laughing. It will be a great gift to watch Jake grow into the joyous child of such a happy, loving mother.

How Do You Live Your Dash ?

I read of a man who stod to speak

At the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on her

tombstone

From the beginning ... to the end.



He noted that first came her date

of birth

And spoke the following date with

tears.

But he said what mattered most of

all

Was the dash beteen those years.

(1970 ~ 2002)



For that dash represents all the

time

That she spent alive on earth...

And now only those who loved her

Know what that little line is worth



For it matters not, how much we

own;

The cars ..the house .. the cash,

What matters is how we live and

love

And how we spend our dash.



So think long and hard ...

Are there things you's like to

change ?

For you never know how much time

is left,

That can still be rearranged.



If we could just slow down enough

To consider what's true and real,

And always try to understand

The way othr people feel.



And be less quick to anger,

And show appreciation more.

And love the people in our lives

Like we've never loved before.



If we treat each other with respect

And more often wear a smile ...

Remembering that this special dash

Might only last a little while.



So, when your eulogy's being read

With your life's actions to rehash,

Would you be proud of the things

they say ...

About how you spent your dash ?





Love, Pam Holub-Bitters & Mr. and

Mrs. Holub

Thanks for the bunco memories! I'm so glad I had the opportunity to get to know such a wonderful person!

Karen was a very strong person. Her spirit will certainly find its way to heaven.

I just wanted to say "Thank you" to Karen for making my life a little richer, a little happier and alot funnier. Karen introduced me to my husband which eventually led to 3 beautiful children. We spent several years together in college and 3 more years as roommates back home creating memories I will cherish forever. Thanks again, Karen. I love you.

...And a big "Thank you" to Mike and Jake for making my friend happier than she could have ever dreamed.

Aunt Mar, Uncle Les, Mike & Jake

Karen was the sweetest, kindest and happiest person I've ever known. She was simple a fun person to be around. I always looked forward to seeing her at all our family functions. She will be missed deeply, but will never be forgotten. I will truely miss her.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her always.

Jake, Your mother was the happiest, most beautiful person I had the pleasure of spending time with. Her laughter was infectish. I went down town for some holiday cheer yesterday. I remembered the last time I was there was w/your mother. We had been out late the night before. We were the only gals not wearing our coats as our bodies were still warm w/cheer from the night before. We laughed all day as people stared not believing we were not cold. I will tell you of Karen each time we meet. Take care of your father for his loss is great. Be strong and enjoy life to its fullest, that is what your mother would have wanted. xoxox Big Love your cousin Cindy

Mike, Jake, Aunt Mar, Uncle Les and family, we're so sorry aboutKaren's death. Karen was a beautiful persn/cousin, inside and out. We will all miss her. Remember we love you all and are here for you,

Dave, Maureen and Dylan Klouda

I met Karen only a few times through our mutual friends Ed and Monica Wantuch. I was recently visiting Monica and her new baby, and Karen and Jake were there doing the same. I asked Karen about how she was adjusting to being a new mom. What stays with me was how she kept looking at Jake and smiling as she was telling me his little habits and routines. You could really see the love in her eyes for him. Mike, you and your whole family are in my prayers.

Karen was an aquaintence of mine through Seton and newly re-aquainted friend through the pairing of mutual friends Mike and Mary Pat.

Karen had a smile that was absolutely contagious. The last time I saw her she was pregnant with Jake and ever so radiant with beauty and life. The world is a better place because she was in it!! God Bless you Mike , Jake and all of her friends and family!

Mike, Jacob and Family,

I am very sorry about your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Terry

Karen always had a "good morning" and a smile for everybody who worked alongside her. I know I speak for everybody at Lutheran General when I say that our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Our most sincere sympathies

Dear Farrells and Haddons,

Our family was so saddened by the news about Karen. It is so unbelievable and beyond comprehension. All of the Magnavite Family remembers Karen as a young girl growing up across the yard from us in South Holland. We extend our sympathy and prayers to all of you. May God watch over her baby, husband and the entire family through this very terrible time.



Sincerely, The Magnavites All



PS My favorite memory happened one summer night when Karen had a party in the yard and the happy voices of the whole group of people singing and dancing made me open the windows just to hear all the joy coming from across the way. It was a special time with wonderful sounds.

Aunt Mar and Uncle Les,

I will always remember Karen's kindness and smile. She was always so kind to me when my Grandpa took me to your house. She never minded playing with me even though I was nine years younger than her. She was a great cousin. I am very saddened by your loss. You all will be in my prayers and thoughts. Love, Amy

Karen was my boss for a very short year. She became a friend I will cherish forever. She hired me after I had not worked for 12 years, so I could raise my children. A privilage only God knows why Karen will not have the chance to do, I struggle with that. Jacob was lucky to have her for those few, short months. I was part of a special team headed by Karen at Northwest Community Hospital. When we were terminated, she sent us flowers, took us out to dinner, and helped us find new jobs in anyway she could. Her grace and dignity through that will always be remembered. My thoughts are with you Michael, though we had never met, as you now raise your son to know a Mother who was so proud of both of you. I feel a loss I just cannot explain. My prayers to all of you.

My fondest memories of Karen were the Wednesday nights after our softball games at Kilroy's. She taught me what "Woo-Woo's" were late nights and the ropes around getting into bars.



Your families are in my thoughts; she truly was a wonderful person.

The wonderful memories I have of Karen are memories that one can only wish to leave behind. Karen was the type of person who could walk into a room and without knowing anyone strike up a conversation and by night's end have made a handful of new friends. Friendship was very important to her as reflected by the many hearts that have been touched by her passing.



I know that I will always think of her when I hear someone laughing one of those contagious laughs like she had. I will always think of her when I see red lipstick because whether it was a wedding or just a softball game, she always looked her best. I will always think of her when I find myself unconsciously doodling on paper because those who really knew her knew she was the "queen doodler." Finally, I will always think of her when I look into the eyes of Jake, as he has now become her youthful soul who with the help of family and friends will know Karen as we did and touch just as many lives.

Our Prayers are with you and your family



Dean and Grace Olivieri

Mike,



You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.



Maureen

Farrell/Haddon Families,

My deepest sympathy to all of you on this terrible loss of someone so dear and so full of life. Karen touched so many people with her goodness, her caring, her zest for living, and the love she showed for all of her family!



I was fortunate to have had her close friendship while working at La Rabida. And, even though I lost touch with her, her memory will still linger in my heart.



She could brighten any room with her warmth and her smile. Now, I think the stars in heaven will glow a little lighter since she is there. My prayers are with all of you.

Farrell/Haddon Families,



Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to your families during this most difficult time.



Barry, Lori, and Megan Krikau

Mike,



My thoughts and prayers a with you during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.



Jay

Uncle Les, Aunt Mar & family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Karen always had a smile on her face. Charlie, Rita and the rest of our family members will take good care of her. We love you. Love, The Supple's -

Pat, Jody, Cory & Curt

I had the honor and pleasure to work for Karen for 4 years. She was a great manager!!! My last memory of her is when she was wishing me the best of luck in my new adventures and smiling. She always had a great attitude and always brought out the best in anyone!! Her family and her baby boy will always be in my prayers.

Our last memory of Karen was when we were all on holiday in Florida she made Mike, a man I am proud to say is a best friend of mine, very happy, as was she, and that is how we want to remember her, striding of to the next ride.

Although my heart is broken, I am comforted by my memories of Karen, all of which center around her smiling and laughing. She was a beautiful person both inside and out, and she touched so many lives with her friendship and generous spirit. Her memory will always be in our hearts, and will grow and flourish through Jake.

Mike,



Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Jacob and the rest of your families during this difficult time.

As one moves through life, you encounter a vast multitude of people. Some you are glad stay in your life, and some you glad when they don't. Karen was definitely the type of person that you were glad when she stayed.



I will always be thankful and grateful to her for the honor and priviledge she granted me when she allowed me to call her my friend. She was, and will continue to be remembered as, the exceptional person that she was.

I have wonderful memories of Karen, from walking to St Jude together, swimming in the Gasperic's pool, visiting her at ISU, seeing eachother get married and experiencing pregnancy together.



AS we all know, you can not find a better friend than Karen. She truly was a breath of fresh air, she never had a bad thing to say about anyone and always had a smile (enhanced with red lipstick)on her face. I do not think that she realized how funny she was or how much happiness she brought to our lives.

I am so happy that we have Jake, who has her big, beautiful eyes, to remind us of our dear friend Karen.

Jake is Karen's last gift to us to keep us smiling.

Thank you for all the wonderful memories Karen. We will all look after Mike and Jake for you.

I was lucky to be a part of a special group of friends during high school and college years with Karen. Although most of us drifted apart over the last few years we all still feel an incredible bond from the past. I was shocked and deeply saddened when I heard the news yesterday. My families' thoughts and prayers are with you and yours and please know that if there is anything I can do in this very difficult time, please contact me.

In deepest sympathy,

Matt Maloney