Evelyn Elizabeth Karzen

Evelyn “Evie” Elizabeth Karzen passed away September 3, 2020 at the age of 89. She was born March 20, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Richard Karzen. She is survived by her four children, Jerry (Claudia)Morse-Karzen Jan Karzen, Kathy (Bud) VanDeWege and John (Kimberly) Karzen. She was also grandmother to 8 grandchildren who brought her much joy and laughter: Brett, Becky (Corey) Moffat, Brooke (Kris) Stenglein, Bridget Morse-Karzen: Kimberly, Kelsey (Connor) Flynn, Evie VanDeWege: Sasha Dussias along with 4 great grandchildren: Cristiano, Ella, Hunter Moffatt and Harvey Flynn. Due to the pandemic and out of concern for extended family and friends our service for her is private.

Evie and Dick met in Michiana, as the story goes on the beach. She was a lifeguard and Dick feigned that he was drowning. She of course saved him. They married a few years later and landed in Glencoe where they built their lifelong home and raised their 4 children.

Evie was a true hostess- always welcoming everyone into her home and trying to give them as much food as possible. She loved talking to people and finding out all about them. We marveled at how she could go up and introduce herself to anyone with a smile and a handshake.

She enjoyed playing tennis, golf, swimming and loved music. She played the piano, loved to sing and was a first-class whistler.

Evie was also a very present and involved parent. She volunteered for everything, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and a Great Books leader to name a few. She also gave of herself her unwavering support of her family’s love of playing tennis which included the playing and professional teaching careers of her entire family in addition to the family business, North Shore Racquet Club.

Since meeting Dick at Michiana, it held a special place in their hearts and they decided to build a 2nd home on the lake to have a place to bring their family together. As the family grew so did the house. Evie and Dick made it easy for all to come and enjoy each other’s company as well as the beach, golf and tennis courts. So many wonderful memories it has given all of us that helped form strong family bonds. This is one of her lasting legacies, bringing family together.

Evie went back to college after their youngest son John, was born. She graduated from Barat College with a teaching degree and went to work at North School in Glencoe teaching pre-kindergarten. Education to her was always very important. At this time, she also developed an interest in art and architecture which led her to become an architectural docent in Chicago. She was a doer who didn’t ask for help, she just did it and did it well. She was a strong woman who continued to accomplish many things after her children had grown and a great role model for all.

After Dick passed, she travelled abroad with family and enjoyed being at her summer home in Michiana with her extended family. We will always remember her gathering all of us out to the deck to watch the sunset, noticing how many buildings we can see from Chicago or how the clouds make it so colorful. She wanted to bring us all together and she did so with love. She will be missed but not forgotten.