04/02/2026
Meet Karen from our Activities Department! She has been part of our Village family for over 13 years! Karen was born and raised in Downers Grove. In high school, she loved to rollerskate and her very first job was at the Westmon Skating Center when she was 15 years old. She attended Western Illinois University, where she worked as a server and bartender during the summers. After graduation, Karen became the firmware administrator for Design Engineering at Bell Labs/Lucent Technologies. Eventually, Karen stepped away from the corporate world to focus on her family, dedicating 17 years as a stay-at-home mom to her boys Tony and Joey. During that time she was immersed in all their school and sports activities, driving countless hours to games and tournaments.
Once her boys were grown, Karen decided she wanted a fun job that would allow her to connect with people and make a difference in someone's day. That’s when she saw a Craigslist ad for a driver position at Independence Village. Karen joined our team 13 years ago, safely transporting residents to doctor's appointments, shopping and other fun field trips. For many of our seniors, those rides weren’t just about the destination—they were about the laughs shared, the stories told, and the kindness Karen brought to every trip. Over time, her role expanded from driver to gardener. Karen cultivates beauty and life in our outdoor spaces, leaving residents in awe of the peaceful places where they can relax, reflect, and enjoy nature. Karen has also added crafts to her long list of talents. She pours so much heart, thought, and effort into every project, making each one special and something our residents genuinely look forward to.
When she is not at the Village, you can probably find Karen reading a good book, listening to music, shopping or spending time with her two boys and two beautiful granddaughters, Cora and Callie. She is on a bowling league with lifelong friends and loves to travel with them to tropical locations. She also enjoys spending her summer weekends at her family lake house in St. Germain, Wisconsin.
Karen, thank you for 13 incredible years of compassion, unwavering dedication and creativity. Your talents and magic have touched every corner of our community inside and out—from the beautiful gardens and planters you cultivate to the crafts you design for every resident to enjoy. You’ve not only brightened our spaces but also our days, filling them with laughter, a little sass, and a lot of love. We are so grateful for your years of service and the countless ways you make our community a better place. Simply put, we couldn’t imagine this place without you. Blessed and Grateful!