Karen G. Murray, age 72, a resident of Wheaton, Illinois, died November 2, 2021. She was born April 10, 1949 in Marshfield, Wisconsin to Bob & Alice Gleason.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Gregory Murray; her children Megan (Damion) Heredia & Sean (Julie) Murray; her four grandchildren Sloane & Millicent Heredia and Griffin & Lauren Murray; her sister Ginny (Buzz) Rice; and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Karen valued her family, her faith, her South Side Irish heritage, the White Sox and Notre Dame. She raised her children with love and endless support, logging countless miles driving to tennis matches and soccer and baseball games. Karen, known as "Grammy," dearly loved her grandchildren and cherished each opportunity to share in their worlds of imagination and play.

Karen's parents instilled strong Catholic values early in her life. These values were reinforced by her Catholic education, which included her time at St. Mary's College. Karen remained devoted to her faith until she was called to heaven on All Souls' Day.

As a child, Karen developed a passion for sports as a result of quality time spent with her Grandpa Marty, an accomplished athlete and coach. She could score a baseball game, call a travel in a basketball game and explain "offsides" in a soccer match. She would proudly "cheer, cheer" for the Notre Dame football team and attended more than 200 Irish games over the years.

Karen traveled widely in the U.S. and abroad both as a child and with Greg, often in the company of her beloved soulmate sister Ginny and her husband, Buzz. Karen had an uncanny sense of direction, which came in handy during her travels and earned her the nickname "Dolly Directions." She attended multiple historic events, including the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy (where she visited with Eleanor Roosevelt) and the Papal inauguration of Pope Paul VI.

Karen was an engaging conversationalist who took a genuine interest in people and what was important to them. She was a voracious reader who displayed an astounding knowledge of facts across a broad range of topics. Her ability to retain and recall information (hence another nickname, "Miss Tidbit") allowed her to run the board on Jeopardy and complete crossword and sudoku puzzles with ease.

Karen loved to celebrate holidays and other occasions with themed menus and decorations. She also enjoyed her fun-filled games of bridge with her longtime "Bridge Girls."

Karen will be missed greatly by her family, friends and all those who had the good fortune to make the acquaintance of such an intelligent, wise, funny and caring woman.

A visitation will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church, 310 S. Wheaton Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187 on Saturday, November 6, 2021, from 9-10 a.m. followed by a Memorial Mass at 10 a.m. Due to public health concerns, masks will be required. A private interment at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Notre Dame, IN will occur at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls , 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607.