Heaven gained an angel on Thursday, June 22, 2023. The light of our life, Karen Kay Van Blaricom, 78, passed away at St. Francis Medical Center. Funeral services in honor of Karen’s life took place on Saturday, June 24, at Weerts Funeral Home. She was laid to rest at Davenport Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be left to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Online, condolences and fond memories may be expressed to the family at www.weertsfh.com.
Karen Kay (Smith) Van Blaricom was born on March 22, 1945, to parents Lawrence and Alice Smith in Rock Island. After graduating from Rock Island High School, she attended cosmetology school and received her license to practice. She worked as a beautician for 30 years before retiring in 1995. On May 15, 1965, she married Gary Van Blaricom in Davenport. They recently celebrated their 58th anniversary.
In her spare time, Karen enjoyed a plethora of activities. She was talented in sewing, macramé, embroidery, and painting. She greatly enjoyed spending time in her flower garden and collecting porcelain figurines and porcelain dolls by artist Jan Hagara. By far, Karen’s most favorite moments were those spent with her family. Her loving presence will be dearly missed by all those who knew her.
Those left to carry on her memory include her loving husband of 58 years, Gary Van Blaricom; two sons, Phillip (Yvonne) Van Blaricom, Bradley (Debbie) Van Blaricom; six grandchildren, Hunter, Dillon, Lauren, Taylor, Maddie, Jeordon; four great-grandchildren, Kamryn, Lainey, Zayd, Baker; sister, Beverly Danner; in-laws, Mike (Karla) Fraser, Barry (Debra) Van Blaricom, and many nieces and nephews.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Alice Smith.
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