I went to grade school with Karen and we were friends even at that young age.  Many years later she and Michael, your grandma and you and your brother lived across the alley from us in West Rogers Park.  We even had the same type of dogs.  We picked up our friendship like we had never separated.  I am so sorry this is so late but I just came across this on FB.  Karen was a sweet, kind and gentle woman.  My heartfelt condolences to you and the family.

In memory of your Mom, she will be greatly missed.  Being a parent advocate for the students and their families it was always great working the cases with your Mom.  She understood just how to write supporting educational documents which would provide the necessary supports for all of the students she serviced.  Karen will be greatly missed.  I send prayers of comfort to you and your family. 

Dear Michael, Brenda & Brandon:

I knew Karen through three special education organizations we had belonged to & served as board members on. I had the privilege of travelling with her to a number of ISBE hearings, ICEC conventions, LDAIL conferences (the latter two in which we roomed together several times: what a sense of humor she had, & it was great fun as well as serious business) & PLDSE local events. She was, indeed, a "force of nature" & a tireless advocate for the special education population. She was the embodiment of tikkun olam...a very special person.

May her memory be a blessing.

With sincere sympathy,
Chaya Rubenstein, Friend 


Michael, I extend my deepest condolences to you and your family. May the soul of your mother be at peace with our Heavenly Father.  May care and love of those around you provide you with comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. I was honored and blessed to have known your mother, worked with her and was friends with her. Karen will forever remain in your hearts. May she rest in peace.

My granddad Albert and Karen's dad Harry were brothers. Albert died young; Harry was a stand-in father for my dad and acted as an older brother and confidant. Our families spent much time together. Karen was my second older sister. She loved board games and would round up the cousins to play teacher. So many good times.

At Karen and Mike's wedding, Harry  told me he and Sarah had prayed for a little girl. When Karen was born there was rejoicing, but then she fell ill. The doctors said she was dying. Harry went to their synagogue and formally changed her Hebrew name to Chaya, for Life. The doctors said her recovery was a miracle. And he told me felt blessed to be at her wedding.

With love and respect from your Denver cousins.

My aunt Karen was about 12-15 years older than all her little girl nieces (Rhonda, Debby, Holly and me) -- one memory that stands out was that she liked to play with us as our "teacher" when we were small.   I guess she knew even back then what would become her life's calling!

Sending lots of love to her family at this sad time...while we can't be with you in person, Randy and I will join you by livestream from our farm in Oregon.  

Brenda,   I only met your mom once but it was an interesting encounter.  I am not sure if you remember but several years back,  you asked me to hand carry some Victoria's Secret stuff from Chicago to Osaka for you and your friends.     I remember going to your mom's house and meeting her for the first time.  I felt a little nervous given the awkward situation of me being a stranger coming to her house to pick up women's lingerie.   However, your mom was so kind to me and made me feel as if we knew each other for years.   I felt welcomed.  I could sense how much she loved you by how she treated me.  I know she loved you very much.   That impression has resonated with me for a long time.   I am truly sorry for your loss and will be praying for you and your family.

OBITUARY

Karen Lynn Wagner Tipp

February 15, 1947 – April 26, 2021

Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home

Show your support

Send a Gift

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Graveside Funeral Service

Virtual Shiva