Karen K. Hlavacek

Karen Kay Chapman Hlavacek, Kansas City North, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, July 16, 2011 at North Care Hospice House after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born December 24, 1935 in Phillipsburg, Kansas to William and Claudine Downing Chapman. Karen was a graduate of Kansas State University. She and Robert Joseph Hlavacek married in 1957. Karen was a teacher in North Kansas City School District for 22 years and later worked in public relations and commercial real estate before she retired. Bob and Karen enjoyed many great trips through the U.S., Europe, England, Scotland, and a marvelous small ship cruise to Alaska – where four couples met, became great friends and have continued to have reunions each year.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Robert Hlavacek, her parents and her only sibling, William Chapman Jr. She is survived by her sons, William Joseph, Gregory John and Scott David; her daughters-in-law Mary, Laura and Joy, and grandchildren: Katie, David, Carson and Janae. She is also survived by two cousins.

Karen was a 55 + year member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood; served as president of two chapters and helped organize Chapter NK in 2009. She was also active in Northland Meals on Wheels, NKCH Auxiliary, Friends of Hospice and activities at her church – The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 21, from 4:30 until 7:30 p.m. at the McGilley Antioch Chapel, 3325 NE Vivion Rd, Kansas City, MO 64119. Cremation. A memorial mass will be said at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 22, at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 12th & Broadway, Kansas City, MO.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Care Hospice House, Northland Meals on Wheels, or The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Karen’s memory.

Special thanks to Dr. Mark Dewolfe and the staff at Heartland Hematology and Oncology.

By being pain free, Karen was able to spend nearly a year laughing, loving and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Cancer cannot…Cripple love…Shatter hope…Corrode faith…Kill friendship…Suppress memories…Silence courage…Invade the soul…Steal eternal life… or Conquer the spirit. (mcgilleyantiochchapel.com)