Submit a PhotoIn Loving Memory of Karen Ann Marco
May 17, 1952 – November 8, 2025
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Karen Ann (nee Cronin) Marco. She departed this world leaving behind memories filled with love, kindness, warmth, and laughter that will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
Born with a gentle yet unwavering warrior spirit she was blessed with an unforgettable radiant smile. An asthmatic, she struggled with health most of her early life. For treatment in 1958 the family moved to Arizona’s dry climate where she fell in love and partook in a never-ending love affair with the Sonoran Desert.
Along with a deep sense of empathy for others she was at her core a devoted partner, an unselfish friend, and compassionate soul. Her unwavering support and encouragement of her four children inspired those in her life to strive to do their best.
She had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved, whether through her thoughtful words, her laughter, or her acts of generosity. But her dedication and leadership of her family was her trademark. Her loyalty to them, as well as to her spouse of 52 years, Pat, was beyond reproach.
Karen most enjoyed spending time with her family: siblings, cousins, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Sharing meals and creating traditions was her forte. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures–sitting by her pool, reading her next self-help book, talking on the phone, improving recipes. A critical thinker, she thrived on deep conversations.
An interior designer and space planner, she earned her Associates of Arts Degree from Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, IL. She excelled at imagining practical yet chic interior spaces. always pushing the envelope without breaking the budget for her clients. Her greatest achievement was the resurrection of the Cronin family’s 1915 ancestral farmhouse In Lake Geneva, WI
Although the guiding light in our lives has been doused Karen indelibly touched the lives of everyone she met.
Proceeded in death by parents John Francis Cronin, Sr. and Isabell M (nee Gleason), as well as by brothers John Francis Cronin, Jr. and the Reverend Edward Joseph Cronin.
She is survived by her loving spouse, Pascal (Pat) Marco and four children, Regina (Brian) Rahberger, Dominic (Paola) Marco, Della (Sean) Kemp, and Anna (Matthew) Schuman along with nine grandchildren: Jordan, Emilia, Madeline (Rahberger); Mila, Luca (Marco); Anthony, Sofia (Kemp); Carson and Dylan (Schuman).
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to one of the following: www.SaveTheChildren.org, or St. Vincent de Paul, Phoenix https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/?form=donate
To view Karen’s service live, please click link: Karen Marco Private Broadcast™
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God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds”. Psalm147:3 God’s peace in the days ahead as you grieve her loss.
I am going to miss the long conversations that me and Karen had on the phone she was not only my sister-in-law but she was also a good friend
Pat…I am so sorry to hear about this.. I am a widower twice. My first wife and I were married for 35 years, my second wife for 13 years. Just you and your kids hold onto all the good memories!
Karen was a bright beam of sunshine in our lives for many years. Karen, Pat,and her whole family always made us feel so welcome and appreciated.
Rest in peace
Our hearts are breaking yet again. We will definitely be at Karen’s memorial.
Pat and family, We are so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. I’m sorry we missed her service, but I didn’t receive the information until Friday. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I will always remember her warm kind smile!
Pat and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Karen was a beautiful soul, may she rest in peace.
Sorry for your loss to you and family. Karen was a delight to be with. God bless her and sending prayers
Dear Pat & Family
Cheryl and I are very saddened by the passing of Karen. She was a very beautiful, loving, friendly, caring person and good friend with a beautiful infectious smile always. We thoroughly enjoyed having Karen and yourself as our neighbors. We didn’t have to visit daily to know we were there for each other at anytime.
God be with You.
Your Friends……
Heart felt condolences. Karen’s smile and laughter will be remembered vividly by all that had the privilege to know her. She expressed the beauty of heaven and God’s gift of joy. This is how I remember her.
I have known Karen and Pat since the seventies in Chicago. They have always been a lovely couple. A conversation with Karen always made me feel better. She had a ready smile and a soothing manner. A chat with Karen always made me feel good. She was so proud of her family and happy to share milestones. What a beautiful marriage. She will be missed beyond words. I look forward to the celebration of her life.
Dear Pat and family,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Karen’s passing. My heart and love goes out to you all. You two were truly lovebirds — such a beautiful couple. It was always a joy to be in your presence!
we I regret I can’t be there to celebrate her life with you today. My wife, Jett, had a bilateral mastectomy on Wednesday and we are deep in the midst of her recovery. I look forward to seeing you when the dust settles. I want talk and celebrate her life with you, and we’ll do that soon. I love you and I wish you peace and serenity in the memories of her joy and her shining spirit.
Most sincerely,
Rees and Jett Candee
I was privileged to meet Karen via her brother Mike whom I knew well back in our high school days. She was always warm & kind to me & had the best smile! I remember when she began dating Pat and I knew they were a heavenly match even in those early years. She came from a warm and welcoming family, and I’m gratified she and Pat created that same time of life with their own family in Arizona. God works on His own time, not ours, and I was sad to learn she passed. I am deeply sorry for the family’s loss. Blessings of to the Marcos and Cronins.