Karen Elizabeth Burns

Karen Burns, 63, of Round Lake IL, passed away on November 19, 2024. Karen was born In Wellsville NY August 29, 1961, the daughter of Bill and Betty Burns. Karen grew up in Gurnee IL, where she graduated in 1979 from Warren Township High School. Her career started in the restaurant and catering industry. She married Greg Peklay and became the proud mother of Steven and Christopher. Karen was a very hardworking parent who balanced supporting her children in their activities while furthering her career and getting a college degree. She joined Abbott Labs in the catering department but after getting her degree she joined Contracts. Karen then advanced to research and oncology. During this time she moved to Abbvie Inc. She finished her career traveling the world organizing meetings for drug research. Karen loved exploring new parts of the world and this job really melded her event planning ability with her research knowledge. Unfortunately, Karen's career was interrupted due to a massive stroke that resulted in her retiring from working at Abbvie. Karen became involved in her hobbies of gardening, quilting, and traveling. Spending time with family and her many beloved lifelong friends was always important to her. Karen attended different aphasia treatment courses and traveled with an aphasia group. Her two dogs Mario and Luigi became her little friends that she took camping and traveling. Of course, she didn't fully retire but continued to volunteer her time to serve and organize events for the community and groups important to her. Karen is survived by her sons Steven Peklay (Priscilla Kersey) and Christopher Peklay (Zach McHardy). Karen loved being a grandmother to Kiara and Aiden. Karen is survived by her mother Betty Burns and sisters Roxanne BurnsVatter and Lilynn Kattner. She was preceded in death by her father Bill Burns and sister Teresa Bunsen. In Lieu of flowers Donations may be made to: Northwestern Center for Speech: https://tinyurl.com/yc54mnfx or Autism Speaks: https://tinyurl.com/4rj4ywav Memorial visitation will be 4 - 6:30 p.m. on Monday, November 25, 2024 at Ringa Funeral Home. A memorial service will begin at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Karen Elizabeth Burns

August 29, 1961 - November 19, 2024

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