Obituary of Karen A. Gonzalez
Karen A. Gonzalez, nee Sharpe, age 63, of Joliet, passed away Monday, March 4, 2024, at the University of Chicago Medical Center, with her loving family by her side.
Born June 30, 1960 in Joliet, she was the daughter of Howard and Carol (Comerford) Sharpe, and was a graduate of Providence High School and Joliet Junior College. She enjoyed a long and rewarding 42 year career with the former First National Bank of Joliet, and retired from its successor company, BMO, where she served as Vice President/Premier Banker. Karen was also a member and former President of the Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce.
Karen was a breast cancer survivor whose strength and determination have served as an example for many. She loved her family dearly, and her husband and children came first before everything else, with the newest and greatest joy in her life being her beloved grandchildren. Karen and David loved the beach and enjoyed traveling and vacations, especially their frequent trips to Pompano Beach, FL. A loving and caring person who was always available to help those in need, she will be remembered for being a faithful friend who wanted the best for everyone.
Karen is survived by her beloved husband of 38 years, David Gonzalez of Joliet; her two loving children, Stacey (J.P.) Jaworski of Shorewood, and D. Alexander Gonzalez of Chicago; three adoring grandchildren, Camden, Peyton and Theodore Jaworski; three sisters, Janet Baker, Nancy (Mark) Wingate, and Diane (Bruce) Meyer; one brother, Howard (Rebecca) Sharpe; her husband’s parents, Hector and Minnie Gonzalez; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Thomas Sharpe and Robert Sharpe; and a dear aunt and uncle, Helen and Peter Sharpe.
Visitation for Karen Gonzalez will be held Monday, March 25, 2024, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., from the funeral home to the Cathedral of St. Raymond, for Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Susan G. Komen Foundation (www.komen.org) would be greatly appreciated.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
