Karen Leonie Watkins

She was preceded in death by her parents Willard and Mary Averill, and her brother James.

She is survived by her daughter Nicole, her grandchildren Kayla, Katie, Willie, David(Haley), and her great grandchildren Ava, Rowan, Evelyn Leonie, and William; and her brother Anthony. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Karen worked for over 20 years at BCBS, and Retired from CAT after 10 years. She dedicated her life to her family, giving of herself tirelessly and selflessly to help raise her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She bravely battled breast cancer twice; Never letting it break her.

The family would like to thank Dr. Nguyet Le-Lindqwister and her team at Illinois Cancer Care, and appreciates everyone who has loved and cared for Karen over the years.

"Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there; I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sun on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush, Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there; I did not die." - Mary Elizabeth Frye

Memorial contributions may be made out to Illinois Cancer Care Trust and Hope Fund.

Visitation will be held at Davison-Fulton Woolsey Wilton Funeral Home at 1pm on December 22.