Lenore Karras

Lenore C. Karras, age 85, of Geneva, formerly of Oak Park and River Forrest area, passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2017, surrounded by the love of her family, following a short battle with cancer. She was born on March 10, 1932 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of proud parents, George and Violet (Stewart) Mitchell. Lenore grew up in Norwood Park Township where she attended Union Ridge Elementary School. After graduating from Taft High School, she continued her education at the Northern Illinois State Teachers College. On May 13, 1952 Lenore was united in marriage to Tom Karras. They began their new life together on the south side of Chicago. They made stops in Western Springs, Oak Park and River Forest from 1956 through 1994, before settling in Geneva in 1995. Lenore’s love for her family knew no bounds. She tirelessly met every need from sunrise to sunset and every hour in between. Lenore not only was a devoted wife, but a loving mother, making sure that each house they lived in became a home. Lenore was a devout and dedicated member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses for more than 50 years. She belonged to the Elmwood Park Congregation until she moved to Geneva in 1995, where she became a member of the Batavia Congregation. She loved all the members of each Congregation she attended and was loved in return. Lenore found a love for crafting in her youth, and it would serve her well the rest of her life. Her home became the center of her creativity, with hand sewn drapes, pillows, slip covers, and countless clothes for herself and girls. Her hands were never idle and their handiwork could be seen on each and every wall. She decorated each home with painstaking care, wallpapered rooms to perfection, and each design expressed her beautiful taste. The outside of her home was no exception as her gardens became a place of tranquility. When she finally put down her needle and thread, Lenore proved she was sharper than her beloved gardening tools. Every game that she played around the table with friends or family was ultimately hers to win. Competitive spirit aside, Lenore was no stranger to lifting her voice in laughter alongside of her friends and family. When it came to reading, she loved the works of Trollope and collected books on English decoration and gardens. She and Tom loved to travel as well. Their adventures included trips to Europe, Mexico and US visiting historic sites and antique stores. No matter where they roamed, it was their home where Lenore’s heart resided. She was happiest surrounded by her family bolstered by longtime friendships. She is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Tom Karras; five children: Andrea Karras, Neil Karras, Tim (Gretchen Colavito) Karras, Gabrielle (David Anolik) Karras and Giulietta Karras; her sister, Violet Slagle and one great-aunt, Ruth Stewart and Marge Taylor. She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Violet Mitchell; one brother, Skokie Mitchell and her beloved companions, Daisy and Frankie. Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m., Monday, October 16, 2017 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. Private family burial services have already been held. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be mad in her name to Anderson Animal Shelter, 1000 S La Fox St, South Elgin, IL 60177 or Fox Valley Wildlife Center, 45W061, IL-38, Elburn, IL 60119. For more information, please call Conley Funeral Home, 630-365-6414.

Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m., Monday, October 16, 2017 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119.

Private family burial services have already been held