Karen Jean Maynard “Fitzgerald” from St.Louis, Missouri, devoted sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and dear friend to many passed away in her home on January, 3 2025. She was 75.
Born September 1, 1949 in St.Louis to Margaret Theresa and Walter Fitzgerald, beloved mother of Derrick EL-Sumadi and Kristine Maynard; dear grandmother to Zander Maynard; dear sister of Lawrence “Larry” and (Jeanne) Volz, Floyd and (Nancy) Owens; dear sister of predeceased; Lillian and (Tom) Scanlon, Mary How “Volz”, William “Bill” and (Janet) Volz, Dear lifelong friend of Jacqueline “Jackie” Porter Benkato and dear close friend of Patricia “Patty” Sabo-Lindsley, and Bethany “Neilson”.
Karen graduated from Maplewood high school in 1968 and retired from AT&T in 2017 at age 68. She was happily retired and enjoying the fruits of her labor to the fullest. She didn’t miss working but she missed her group of work friends quite a bit. She was a real people person and liked meeting people from different cultural backgrounds. Those who knew Karen, even for a short while, always thought of her as such a character. She was such a funny person who was always making people laugh.
As a mother she was patient, loving, understanding and supportive, friends of her children always complimented them about how “cool” of a Mom she was. They have always remembered her in this way.
Karen was admired for her resiliency and ability to stay positive when facing life’s hardest times and toughest challenges, fair or not! She never stopped thinking or caring about others; doing the right thing and being a good person was something she valued a lot. Her compassion was nearly boundless and it wasn’t uncommon for her to put the needs of those she loved before her own.
Karen’s magnetic smile, infectious laugh, and bubbly personality will be remembered and missed by so many. May she be blessed with peace through her passing and may her memories live on in the hearts of the lives she has touched.
There will be a life celebration gathering February 21, 2025 from 5pm till 9pm at:
Rooftop Church:
9217 GRAVOIS ROAD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63123.# 314-833-3539
Anyone that can wear something Purple in Karen’s honor are encouraged to do so.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to https://www.venmo.com/u/kjmmemorial
Inquiries can be sent to kjmmemorial@yahoo.com or you can call Kristine @ 314-699-2222
Karen what can I say about Karen. She was the best aunt, friend, partner in crime. There wasn’t a time that we were together that we did not laugh and cut up. She has been my best friend since birth. I remember going to work with her when I was probably 7 years old. And we’ve been close ever since. I remember she lived with us for a while. And then she lived across the street from us for a while. But I always got to see her because she made sure she came over to visit all of us. And then through the years we would go to breakfast every weekend. And then we started going to the boat. Oh Lord the boat we had some good times on that boat. She would Gamble me and Kristine would sit in the lounge and listen to music she would come in and out we’d have dinner drinks sing dance we did it all. There was never a time in my life that if I needed her she was not there for me. And I hope she felt the same way. Because there was nothing I would not have done for her. She was an amazing mother and grandmother. Zander stole her heart I think that was the best thing that ever happened to her. She definitely loved her kids, her grandson her brothers all of her family nieces nephews sister-in-law’s and sisters. I hope the three of them are up there having a party celebrating being together again. All I can say is the world lost an amazing woman even though I know she’s a real angel now looking down on all of us. My birthday was yesterday and this is the first year in my entire life that I remember not getting a card or a phone call or a text from her. It really sucks. Aunt Karen I’m going to miss you forever until we meet again. And you better be ready for some Shenanigans when I get there. I love you!
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I enjoyed reading that Lori., it brought back some memories for sure!
She loved you so much.
God i hate her being gone. I wish I could talk to her just one more time.
Love you all. I’m here if you need me.
Linda, I am so sorry for your loss. She gave the aura of being such a sweet soul, and I know she will be truly missed.
Thanks so much friend!
I will sure miss you Aunt Karen. Your infectious laugh. Random phone calls when you would think of something you just had to share. Proud Zander moments showing proof positive that he was your world. How you kept my Mom’s memory alive with crazy funny stories. And as my sister reminded me recently, you always ended a voicemail or phone call with “Love you”. I have a couple of voicemails that I will save and cherish. “Love you too”. Lynnda
That would be awesome if you could share one of those voicemails at the celebration of life!
There will be music, food and love.. itll be casual with the exception of a formal hour from 7 and 8 for those who want to share any memories with everyone.
Karen’s gift was how each of her siblings taught us to stay close to your family. She was gift from heaven for 75 years How she touched her children Zander her family I remember so many great memories she would call me in the morning 5:30 or 6:00 to inform me a accident on 270 or just tell me she’s at Walmart I was blessed to spend time with my aunt going to movies dinner or gambling or just hanging out at her house she was more than my aunt she was my best friend love Patrick
My younger sister Karen was always fun to be around you never knew what she would say next. One of our nephews had the perfect description of Karen she was unfiltered.
I forgot to mention Karen was one of most loving persons you would ever meet
Sorry I can’t make the celebration of Life for a truly deserving woman. I worked with Karen at AT&T and she was a barrow of laughs everyday. She loved her son and daughter and when her grandson came she was so happy and amazing. She would do anything for them. Her family came first. We recently spoke via Facebook around Christmas saying that we needed to get together ❤️ who new she would be gone so soon. My regret is I hadn’t seen her in person in awhile. She is an Angel and definitely will be missed. RIP Karen Jean!