Karen Lee Kuzniar

Karen Lee Kuzniar was born in Chicago on February 17, 1944 and grew up on 79th Street in the South Shore neighborhood. She passed away at home in Whiting, Indiana on March 25, 2026 after a courageous battle with dementia. Karen was a graduate of St. Bride’s Elementary School (1958) and Chicago Vocational High School (1962). She moved to the East Side with family in the early 1970s. Karen was a hard-working and valued clerk at many shops, including the Cheltenham Theater, Sears, Roebuck & Co, Cohen’s Department Store, Les-On Drugs, and Angels R Us. Karen was a generous, caring, and rebellious spirit who loved family, Elvis Presley, Strawberry Hill wine, Rainbow Beach, a bit of mischief, and “My Eyes Adored You,” “Colour My World,” and “You Are My Sunshine.” In her final months music continued to inspire Karen to tap her feet, laugh, and cry. She could recall the lyrics to countless songs, from the Bee Gees to Bing Crosby, and even the sad ones rekindled cherished memories and brought comfort. Karen loved to feed family and friends, who enjoyed her mostaccioli and meatballs, roasts, polish sausage, garlic chicken, roast beef with pepperoncini, and her signature crème puffs. Karen found joy in the everyday, like having a conversation about life with a loved one over a cup of coffee and a pastry. Everything that made Karen happy seemed to be close to her.

Karen was a devoted wife to Richard, the love of her life, for fifty years. They met when their mutual friend Keith set them up on a blind date, and they were married on Valentine’s Day in 1976. Karen was a loving mother to Kimberly Novick (Greg Lewandowski), John Novick (Dana Angotti-Novick), David Novick, and Dawn Kuzniar; a doting grandmother to Christopher Serna (Renee Madrid), Arron Serna, Wayne Kramer, and Hailey Kramer (Michael Bennett); a great-grandmother to Justin, Tyler, Madalynn, Brandon, and Winona, and a great-great grandmother to Noah. Karen is also survived by sister-in-laws Katie, Ellen, Tina, Rita, and Dolly; her brother-in-law Eddie; nephew Tim, and nieces Amy, Elizabeth, and Maureen. Karen leaves many cousins in the States, Canada, and the U.K. She was preceded in death by her beloved grandfather John Durkin (1957); father James P. Durkin (1978); dear brother James M. Durkin (1997); mother Elizabeth “Nana” Durkin of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario (nee Zappacosta, 2003); mother-in-law Violet Kuzniar (2008); and treasured friend Chris Rau (2016), whose children Kim and Tommy Karen remained close to. Karen overcame many challenges in her life. We will remember her always for her authenticity, generosity, feistiness, perseverance, and love. May she rest in peace.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026 from 3:00 to 5:00pm with a service at 4:15pm at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th Street, Whiting, Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.baranfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family, would be appreciated. (219) 659-4400.

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