Karen Elizabeth Scanlon

Karen Higgins Scanlon, 84, passed away on August 3, 2024. She is preceded in death by her wonderful husband of 61 years, Lawrence Scanlon as well as her siblings Richard Higgins, Dorothy Kozak and Monroe Higgins Junior (Boat) and her parents Maxine Higgins and Monroe Higgins Senior. She is survived by her brother Preston James Higgins and her five children John (Debbie) Scanlon, Joe Scanlon, Mary (Guy) McDermott, Brian (Taiwo) Scanlon and Laura Scanlon-Hood. She will be dearly missed by her nine grandchildren Meghan Scanlon, Colleen Scanlon, Devin Hood, Sean McDermott, Brendan Scanlon, Erin McDermott, Maggie McDermott, Lily Scanlon and Ella Scanlon.

Karen graduated from St Louis University where she majored in English and Philosophy. She went on to teach at the elementary school level. Eventually she discovered the Montessori philosophy and it changed her life. After working as an assistant in a Montessori classroom, she went on to get her advanced certification becoming a Directress of Montessori. She taught for over twenty years in Highland Park, Deerfield and Lincolnshire. Her years teaching Montessori brought her tremendous joy. She felt extremely privileged to lead in the development of the bright young children that she had the fortune to teach.

Karen and Larry spent their later years traveling the world and enjoying their grandchildren. They spent the winter months in Florida and split their time at home between Lake Barrington and downtown Chicago. Karen was an enormous Cubs fan. She could often be found at Wrigley Field wearing the buttons of her favorite players over the years.

Karen was very generous with her time and talent. She shared her love of reading by volunteering with literacy groups in schools. She shared her love of God by serving as a Minister of Care and teaching Catechism for many years. She shared her love of community by actively volunteering in the lives of her children. She shared her love of family with her endless devotion to her husband and children.

A mass celebrating Larry and Karen's lives will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 11:30 AM at Saint Anne Catholic Community, 120 Ela Street (Corner of Franklin and Ela Sts.), Barrington. Friends may gather at church at 10:30 AM until the time of mass. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org