Obituary

Karen S. Comerci

Karen S. Comerci, age 54, nee Schalke, former employee of Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, beloved wife of Joe; loving mother of Ben (Tara) and Jake; dear sister of Mike (Lorri) Schalke, Tim (Donna) Schalke and Jessica (Steve) Ptaszek.  A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 9th, 4 p.m. at Willow Creek Community Church’s Chapel, 67 E. Algonquin Rd, South Barrington. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wellness House, 131 N. County Line Road, Hinsdale, IL 60521.  Arrangements handled by Gibbons Funeral Home, Elmhurst.  630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com

**for map of Willow Creek Campus cut and paste into browser   –  http://www.willowcreek.org/media/willow-creek/documents/campusmap.pdf **



17 comments

  • Cindy Karis

    Our hearts go out to Karen’s family and friends. What a beautiful shining light and we will treasure our good times in our hearts!

    Love, Cindy & Harold (friends from Wellness House)

    Reply
  • Lisa schuit

    I am so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. I have known her for many years working at the hospital with her and children in same schools. Sharing stories and feelings. She always helped me to keep things in perspective. A truely good and open person.
    I know that now this battle with cancer is over, she is at peace and with that in mind may you find solace.
    She will always be with you in some way.
    Bless Karen and her family
    Lisa Schuit

    Reply
  • Bob Palczewski

    We are very sad to hear the news. Our lives are richer because we knew her for a short time while being in a church small group with her. Live really is short. I guess it reminds me to live each day to the fullest.
    Bob & Jeanneane

    Reply
  • Rich & Bev Kubitz

    Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Schalke-Comerci family on the passing of your beloved wife, mother, sister & aunt. May your treasured memories help you thru this most difficult time. Karen always had the brightest smile every time we saw her. She will be missed. Our prayers are with you.
    Rich & Bev Kubitz

    Reply
  • Rusty Parrish

    Karen was a beautiful soul and it was a blessing to work with her here at Wyndemere even for a short time. Prayers for peace and comfort for you all.

    Reply
  • Vicki Bacidore

    I will always remember Karen fondly especially our time working together at the old Elmhurst Hospital ER. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends. RIP.

    Vicki Bacidore

    Reply
  • Linda Panek

    I was very sorry to hear about Karen, not only did I work with her in the ER at Elmhurst for many years, but I also saw her again down in the CA center where I now work. She was not a patient at the time, but actually there with another cancer patient, driving them to their treatment. We hadn’t seen each other in a long time, but we talked and shared lots of news about our families. It was great to see her. I admired how she handled her own illness with such grace and a positive outlook and that she wanted to help others going through the same thing she had. She was a lady with a big heart. She will be missed but not forgotten. I lost my own mother to cancer this past year and I know it will be hard on her family right now, but time and love and support from family and friends does help so much.

    Linda Panek

    Reply
  • Dee Panek

    We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear volunteer Karen. She was one of our volunteers here at Elmhurst Hospital and always came in with a big smile, kind words and very giving. Personally she inspired me with her strength and courage, even in difficult situations.
    Please know we were blessed to have her with us too. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you.

    Dee Panek

    Reply
  • Steve Bogiel

    With great sorrow I extend my condolences to Joe and his family. Although I knew that Karen battled cancer for years, the news of her passing both shocked and saddened me.
    She will be missed, but her legacy will live on.

    Reply
  • Charles L Stewart

    Joe, I extend my heart felt sorrow for you and your family.I knew of her illnes, but this is a shock to me.
    I wish your family all the best and may the Good Lord Bless all of you.

    C Stewart

    Reply
  • Nancy Haussmann

    Joe and family, my heartfelt condolence on the loss of your partner and parent. She left you with a gift of her knowing and loving her which I know you will cherish forever. May the Lord take her into his loving arms and keep her until you meet with her again in eternity.

    Reply
  • Vicki Anderson

    My sincere condolences to Joe and his family on the passing of his beloved wife and mother of their children, Karen. I’ve never met Karen, but after reading all the beautiful words written about her, it is evident she was loved and admired by many. Karen lived her life well sharing her compassion and goodwill towards others. She will live on in the hearts of those she loved and those who loved her. Rest in peace Karen – your work here is done. Amen.

    Reply
  • Nancy Scher

    I am so sorry to hear of the passing of this dear and beautiful, God-fearing woman. I had lunch with her a couple of times over the last two years and we talked about the deep things. . .things eternal, not just what we have here. She was such a beautiful and encouraging person to me in my own personal trials. . .she gave me hope and a better way of looking at my difficulties. She will be sorely missed by all, especially her lovely family, whom she spoke of so often and with so much love. My prayers go out to Joe and the kids. . .
    I am so blessed that I worked with Karen and was able to get to know her.

    Reply
  • Kira Dorsch

    You were the best BFF i have ever had….I miss you mty Karen

    Reply
  • Pamela Hathaway

    Well done, good and faithful servant, well done.

    Reply
  • Russell and Beth Leonard

    So sorry to learn of the passing of your wife Karen. Our deepest condolences to you and your family! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless.

    Reply
  • Joe, Ben, Jake, and Tara

    Thank you all for your kind words and support during this difficult time. We appreciated your support last night at her memorial service as well. She will be forever missed and in our hearts. Thanks again for sharing your stories and love of Karen with us.

    -The Comerci Family

    Reply

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