Karen Elaine Gorby, 72, of Huntley, died peacefully in her home on June 9, 2024, with her family and friends by her side.
Karen was born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 17, 1951, to parents Kenneth and Dorothy (nee Fischer) Smith. She married David Gorby on June 8, 1974, and the couple has been happily married since. Karen was exceptionally artistic, and she spent hours sketching, painting, and working with ceramics. She also spent time with Sweet Adeline’s Acapella Group, serving as a Girl Scout leader, and also participated in a Women’s Bible Study at Christ Community Church. Karen loved her pets and jewelry, and she was especially thoughtful and loving. She cared deeply for her family and treasured spending time with them. Her most honorable achievement was earning the title of Grandmother to her two grandsons Everett and Oliver. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.
Karen is survived by her beloved husband of 50 years, David Gorby, her children, Heather (Christopher Madden) Gorby, and Andrew (Anna) Gorby, her grandsons, Everett Madden, and Oliver Madden, her nine siblings, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 10 a.m. to time of Memorial Service 11 a.m. on June 22, 2024, all at Christ Community Church. 10547 Faiths Way, Huntley. Light refreshments to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Karen's name can be made to https://www.nm.org/about-us/foundation/donations
For further information, please contact the DeFiore Funeral Home 847-515-8772
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Our prayers go with you and the family in this time of grieving and joy of heaven for the family and Karen! May Jesus grant you strength and peace and an inner joy that surpasses earthly joy! May God richly bless you and your loved ones at this time! Jeremiah 15:16!
We are so sorry for your loss. We continue to pray for you and your family. “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. “ Psalm 91:4
Thinking of your family and sending prayers of comfort
To Karen's family, Having Karen as a friend these past 13 years has added to my spiritual growth. We definitely clicked on numerous topics which added joy to our togetherness. I will miss our political thoughts being shared!! The devotion you shared with each other was so evident at all times. Nobody faced her trauma with more determination than Karen! I know she is in God's realm now and knowing the difficult painful journey for her has ceased adds some peace to those of us who loved and enjoyed her. Her singing voice and delightful smile were always comforting. God bless you in the coming days, David.
Although I only worked with Dave at Perdue a very short time, we had formed a friendship and commardiary that lasted much longer. Our wives also bounded together over their love of art and stayed in touch through Facebook. Stay well my friend.
We enjoyed our time together at church in Ocean City. Karen was such a sweet lovely spirit. We are so sorry for your loss and hold your family in prayer.