Karen R Smith

Karen R. Smith, 68, of Freeport, died Sunday, November 24, 2013 at FHN Memorial Hospital. Born on December 11, 1944 in Dodgeville, WI., the daughter of Robert and Betty (Needham) Hannah, Karen worked as an advocate for children and education throughout her life. Graduating from UW-Platteville with an Education degree, Karen served as a 2nd grade teacher in the Warren school system before launching a new preschool, Sunny Day. Responding to a need to help even younger children, Karen took a position at Jane Addams in Freeport as a Parent Educator, charged with assisting new and at-risk moms with basic parenting skills for children ages birth-3. Seeing a further need, she obtained her Master's degree in Counseling and accepted a position at Janet Wattles in Rockford supporting and counseling the most vulnerable of children. This was her life's work and, up until her retirement, she worked tirelessly at it, often logging hours on nights and weekends. She met her husband, Michael H. Smith, while they were both teaching and were joined in marriage on July 27, 1974 in Warren, IL. Karen was a member of St. John United Church of Christ. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, and her Pomeranian, Molly. She most especially loved spending time with her granddaughter, Liliana, who always brought a smile to her face. Survivors include her husband Michael H. Smith of Freeport; one son Matthew (Lisa) Smith of Freeport; one daughter Katie Smith of Freeport; two brothers Gary (Nancy) Hannah of Portage, MI and Mark (Kay) Hannah of Milwaukee, WI; one sister Marsha (Rick) Rohlf of Clintonville, WI and one granddaughter Liliana Smith of Freeport. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be Saturday, 10:30 a.m. at St. John United Church of Christ. Rev. Donnely Dutcher will officiate. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in her name. Please sign the guestbook at www.burketubbs.com.