Karen Ann Brower

Karen was born in Wauwatosa, WI on August 6, 1946 to Joseph and Gertrude Gilardi. She spent most of her early years in Port Edwards, WI learning to play piano and organ at a young age. By age 12 she was playing regularly in her local Catholic Church Mass. Karen graduated from Assumption High School in the class of 1964. She later took classes at the local community college in Business Administration.

Karen moved to Tampa, FL where both of her children were born. After living in Garner, NC, she settled in Augusta, GA, and began working for Club Car as an Administrative Assistant. She later moved to Charlotte, NC, where she took a position in the Marketing department of Nations Bank, now known as Bank of America. She retired in 2016. In retirement, she enjoyed volunteering at Servants Heart Community Boutique, performing home makeover projects and spending time with her family.

She was a lifelong seamstress and loved to crochet. Many friends and coworkers benefited from her talents receiving afghans and scarves as gifts. She even enjoyed altering her own clothes. Once grandchildren came along, she put her talents to work in making Doll clothes and blankets. She later began painting in watercolors.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Robert Gilardi. She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Hutkowski Cochrane (Kenny) of Indian Trail, NC, son, Kevin Joseph Hutkowski (Faye Skotidas) of Mooresville, NC, brother, Don Gilardi (Cathy) of Glen Ellyn, IL, grandchildren, Aaron Kenneth Cochrane and Abigail Rose Cochrane of Indian Trail, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank and acknowledge the talents of Levine Cancer Institute, including Dr. J. Stuart Salmon, and his Nurse Patty along with the staff of the 5th and 6th floor at Atrium University for their care and attention.

A Celebration of Life service will be held in the Sossoman Chapel at First Baptist Church of Indian Trail on Saturday December 4, at 11:00 am. Visitation will be immediately after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Karen’s memory to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.