Karen E. Monfre

Karen Monfre, 85, formerly of the Decatur area, passed away on Wednesday August 2, 2023 at the Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka.

She was born on June 17, 1938 in Decatur, IL to Fred and F. Louise Traughber Dolson.  She married S. John Monfre on October 12, 1957 in Decatur, IL.  He passed away on March 17, 1993.

Surviving are her children, Tamara “Tammy” (Arnold) Rosario of Windham, Maine; Anthony “Tony” (Deonne) Monfre of Goodfield, IL; Mark Monfre of Delta, LA; 9 grandchildren, Daniel (Kim) Rosario; Matthew Spera (Karla Brannen); Elizabeth (Jason) Anderson; Emily Spera (Doug Bernier) Krista Rosario (Elizabeth Pruett); Denise (Scott) Nadboy; Meika (Jake) Gerst; Brooke (John) Widmer; Clayton (Trisha) Monfre; Kaitlyn (Ryan) Carman; 26 great grandchildren and her cousins Jackie T Calamello and Frances Stengel.    

She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Cynthia Craig.

Karen attended schools in Decatur, graduating from Stephen Decatur High School in 1956.

She will be remembered for her sassy point of view, generosity, and the love of her cats and all her Beanie Babies.

Karen was a devoted daughter, mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend.

She loved her time working as an insurance representative having worked for Campbells Insurance for 25 years and finally retiring from Bennett and Shade.  Karen also worked for over 25 years at the Lone Oak Tavern along with her sister, Cynthia Craig who owned the business.

Karen was extremely proud to be an eighth-generation owner with her cousins of the Traughber Sesquicentennial farm and land. She was looking forward to the upcoming Bicentennial event.

In her retirement, Karen enjoyed life by traveling to visit her children in Maine and Louisiana.  She also enjoyed her travels with some of her best friends, specifically Margaret Redmond.  She was a member of the Women’s Insurance Group and enjoyed all the meetings and social aspects of the group.  Her family recently held a barbeque at her son’s house to celebrate her 85^th birthday, a day she talked about until she passed away.

Karen’s family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff at the Apostolic Christian Home in Eureka IL.  Their unwavering care and support provided comfort during a challenging time and will forever be treasured. 

To celebrate her life, visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Tuesday August 8^th at the Goodfield Apostolic Christian Fellowship Hall.  Graveside funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday August 9^th at Macon County Memorial Park in Harristown, IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that those who wish to honor Karen’s memory consider a donation to either Tanglewood Village 1293 S 34^th St Decatur IL or to the Apostolic Christian Home 610 W Cruger Ave Eureka IL.  Online condolences and tributes may be sent to the family at argoruestmanharris.com