It is with profound sadness and hope in the resurrection, we announce the passing of Karen Marie Lepke (nee Shea), beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. Karen passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026 surrounded by her loving family, after a life centered on faith, family, compassion and service.

Karen was preceded in death by her beloved son, Jim Lepke; her sister Kathleen Shea; her maternal grandparents, Sam and Josephine Pusateri; and her paternal grandparents, Daniel and Eileen Shea; and Father and Mother-in-law, Dale and Barb Lepke. Above all else, Karen cherished her family.  She leaves behind her devoted husband, Bill; her loving daughter, Maureen (Kevin) Koval; her parents Jim and Mary Ann Shea; her sisters, Mary Ellen (Dave) Donofrio and Diane (Mark) Johnson; and many beloved nieces and nephews, including Megan (William) Ngiam, Dan (Edyta) Donofrio, Ryan (Madalyn) Donofrio, Matt Donofrio, Katherine Donofrio, Patrick Johnson, and Clare Johnson.

Karen was born in Evergreen Park, Illinois, she grew up in Downers Grove and attended St. Mary’s of Gostyn in Downers Grove and Benet Academy in Lisle and earned her degree at Eastern Illinois University.  In 1991, she married Bill Lepke, and together they shared 35 years of marriage, making their home in Elmhurst.

A devout Catholic, Karen was a longtime parishioner of Visitation Catholic Church in Elmhurst. She dedicated her life to caring for her family and friends, and much of her professional life was spent caring for others, working 15 years in the Visitation Grade School office, where she formed lasting friendships and touched countless lives. Most recently, she served as Concierge at Sunrise at Fountain Square in Lombard, where her welcoming spirit and genuine compassion comforted residents, families and coworkers alike.

Karen brought light into every room she entered, eager to share her delight in everything from 80s music to ice cream. She was very smart at trivia and puzzles and competitive with card games like Canasta. She especially loved baking and was known for her delicious Christmas cookies.

A selfless and kindhearted mother and wife, Karen devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family, always putting the needs of those she loved before her own. Her friends knew her as the Gift Card Queen, and for nieces and nephews, she was the “fun” aunt. She’ll be remembered for her big smile, gentle heart, unwavering faith, and the love she so freely gave to everyone around her.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the entire medical team at the UChicago Advent-Health Hinsdale Hospital and their Cancer Center.

A Memorial Visitation service will be held on Sunday, June 7^th, 2026 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home, 4920 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL. Chapel services and closing prayers to commence at 7:00pm. Funeral Services at the funeral home will begin at 9:30am on Monday, June 8^th, 2026 with a procession to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 4801 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515 for an 11:00am Funeral Mass in memory of Karen and her son, Jim. Concluding mass there will be a procession to Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery where an inurnment burial service will be held for both Karen and Jim. For additional information please call 630-852-8000 or visit us at westsuburbanfh.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Wellness House, 131. N. County Line Rd, Hinsdale, IL 60521. Donations can be made online at https://wellnesshouse.org/ or by calling 630-654-5104.

In remembrance of Karen’s life and the joy she brought to so many, friends and family are encouraged to wear something green in her honor.