Karen A. Hathaway died on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at the age of 79. She was born on March 10, 1943, to Marjorie & Norman Utech in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a degree in fashion design, she settled in Chicago, Illinois. While working in visual displays for Marshall Field’s in Evanston, Illinois, she met her future husband, Tom Hathaway. They married in 1967 and settled in Evanston. Their only daughter, Christine was born in 1975.

Karen later worked at the North Shore University Health System as an office coordinator. What she really enjoyed was taking dance classes and taking the show on the road. Karen was part of a group of tap dancers who performed at skilled nursing facilities all over the North Shore. This troupe of dancers have been tapping together for over 40 years. She also was a skilled seamstress creating costumes for figure skaters and dancers.

Karen’s other loves were volunteering at the Chicago Botanic Garden, going to Broadway musicals, and traveling.

Karen is survived by daughter, Christine (Steve Geist); grandsons, Alex and Austin; sister, Margo (Jerry) Russell; stepsister Carol (Steve) Thorman; nieces, nephews, and many longtime friends. She was pre-deceased by her husband of 55 years, Tom Hathaway.

A celebration of life will happen in the Fall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe, IL 60022 (www.chicagobotanic.org.)

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