Karen Joan Zipparro

Karen Joan Zipparro, 82, passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. She was born on December 18, 1941 in New York City, NY to Ralph and Alvera (Johnson) Walker. She married Joseph Zipparro on July 17, 1965 in Mt. Prospect, IL.

Karen was the beloved wife of 58 years to Joseph V Zipparro; caring mother of Catherine (Patrick) Tyrrell, Thomas (Sharon) Zipparro, Christine (Joseph) Albrecht, and Anna (David) Bratton; devoted grandmother of Aaron and Taylor Zipparro; Eileen, Olivia, Andrew, and James Tyrrell; Isabella, Sophia, and John Albrecht; Nicholas and Alexandra Bratton; dear sister of the late Rev. Thomas (Ellyn) Walker; sister-in-law to Vincent (Cynthia) Zipparro; aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Karen graduated from Chicago Wesley Memorial School of Nursing in 1962. She worked as an RN for several years then took time to raise her family, returning to nursing for another 20 years before retiring. She was active in her parish at St. Zachary as a CCD catechist and lector, and as a room mom/volunteer at St. Zachary School where her children were students. Karen enjoyed baking, reading, and letter writing. She was a devoted grandmother and played an active role in the lives of her grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 3pm - 8pm on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016. Prayers will be held at 9am on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Oehler Funeral Home followed by funeral mass at 10am at St. Zachary Parish in Des Plaines. Entombment will follow at All Saints Cemetery and Mausoleum in Des Plaines, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Karen’s name to St. Zachary Parish and School or the American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oehlerfuneralhome.com for the Zipparro family.