Karen L Levy

PORTAGE- Karen Louise Levy, age 83, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025, after a courageous battle against ALS. She was the beloved daughter of Lawrence R. Swan and Edna M. Gillette, and step-father, Irving J. Gillette.

Karen was a bright light whenever she entered a room. She had an infectious smile, great sense of humor, and she was truly a friend to everyone she met. She lived her life to the fullest, with kindness and compassion toward others, shedding love on her family in abundance.

She graduated from Monona Grove High School with high honors, and later worked for J.H. Findorff & Son, (now Findorff) for many years until she retired in 2004. Karen loved thrift shopping, collecting dolls and antiques, and she had a flair for decorating and always making the holidays special for her family. She was a talented painter and artist and she loved making arts and crafts and participating in local Craft Fairs.

Karen also enjoyed traveling after her retirement and she had many wonderful trips with her friends and family, and she cherished those memories.  But what she will most be remembered for, is being a loving Mother, and the absolute BEST “Meema” her granddaughters and great-granddaughters could have ever dreamed of.  She taught us how to love, because she loved us so well.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Richard E. Levy, who was the love of her life; as well as many kitties who were part of our family over the years.

She is survived by her partner, Rick Gericke; daughters, Sheri Goodine, Lani Jackson (Anthony) and Lisa Levy;  granddaughters, Taylor Goodine (Jake Leis), Lauren Jackson, Samantha Howard (Colton) and Isabella Levy; great-granddaughters, Brooklyn Thomas, Kalani Jackson, Willow Howard and Kinsley Howard; brother, Alan Gillette (Megan); nieces, Kristin Gillette and Karli Gillette; many cousins; and countless special friends she met along the way.  

There are no adequate words to describe how much we will miss her, but we know we will see her again.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed away.”   -Revelation 21:4

A gathering of friends and family to celebrate Karen’s life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, Wis., from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Another celebration will take place at THE STILL PUB AND GRILL, 10964 County Highway C, Hillsboro, Wis., from 12 noon until 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025. All are welcome at either, or both celebrations.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420