Karen Elisabeth D'Orazio

MADISON, Wis. / PALM DESERT, Calif. - Karen E. D’Orazio, 91, of Palm Desert, Calif., passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025, in California. Karen was born on October 6, 1933, in Madison, Wis., the daughter of Don R. and Eleanor (Rusch) Kennedy.

Karen enjoyed her education experience and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor’s degree. Karen married John R. D’Orazio in Madison on December 1, 1956, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Madison, Wis. Karen loved her family and was employed in the most difficult and rewarding occupation, homemaker. She was a very independent woman. Karen was a member of her local Catholic organization wherever she lived. She enjoyed reading, playing cards, especially Bridge and working with her women’s organizations. She loved to travel the world, which she did for 16 years, with her best adventure being her trip to Africa.

Karen is survived by her grandson, John (Carly) D’Orazio; granddaughters, Alyssa (Joe Cooper) D’Orazio-Cooper and Anna (Matthew) D’Orazio; their mother, former daughter-in-law, Tammy Grunow; great-grandchildren, Isabella, Lily and Kennedy D’Orazio; and great-granddaughter, Eleanor Cooper. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John D’Orazio; son, Richard D’Orazio; brothers, Tom and Grover Kennedy; sisters, Josephine “Jo” Toltzien, Phyllis Hayes, Rita Lewis and Johnett Picket.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 South Owen Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025, with Father Brian Wilk presiding. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery in Madison. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the start of the Mass on Thursday.

Memorials may be made in Karen’s name to your local Salvation Army. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral and Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761