It is with an incredible amount of sadness that I write this post to let you know of the passing of not only a co-worker at Weight Watchers, but a dear, dear friend. Many of you know Karen Holt and chances are, those of you that don’t, would recognize her if you saw her. That’s because Karen Holt was such a huge part of Weight Watchers in the Fox Valley area. Karen was the center coordinator for both the South Elgin WW center as well as the North Aurora location and worked tirelessly to serve the members of Weight Watchers as well as the company it’s self. She has been a receptionist at meetings all over the Fox Valley area for the last 10 years. Lots of you know her from Saturday morning meetings in St. Charles, and now in Geneva, where her best friend, Laura Scheidt is the leader for 4 very large and lively meetings.
We lost Karen Thursday night completely unexpectedly, to an aneurism. The shock of such a sudden death of a person who was so energetic and full of life is beyond painful for anyone who knew Karen. I am very sorry that I even have to write this post, but I know many of you will want to know this information so that you can pay your respects.
Karen was amazing…there’s no other way to say it. She was incredibly kind, loving, hard working and artistically talented. Over the last 10 years since meeting Karen, she’s always been there for me and for so many others and she is already dearly missed. When I look at the beautiful, intricate shadow box that holds my wedding invitation hanging on our our bedroom wall or the adorable scrap books I have for Cole and Chase, I will continue to think of Karen because she took the time to make them for me by hand. She always went the extra mile and made everything perfect. She was a beautiful person in every sense of the word.
Below you will find the information about the visitation service as well as Karen’s obituary. Life is so precious and short. This is a powerful opportunity to remember and respect that and to reach out those around us in love and gratitude for the lives we have been given.
Rest in peace, Karen. You will always be loved and never forgotten.
SERVICE INFORMATION FOR
Karen L Holt
Visitation: Sunday, September 2nd, 2012 2:00 pm to 4:00 PM at Yurs Funeral Home of Geneva
Burial Location: Private
OBITUARY
Karen L. Holt, age 59, of St.Charles, died unexpectedly Thursday August 30, 2012 at the University of Illinois at Chicago Hospital. She was born July 9, 1953 in Chicago.
Karen had been a Receptionist with Weight Watchers for many years.
She is survived by her husband Barry. Two children, Adam Holt of Batavia, and Megan Holt of Carbondale. Also a sister, Laurie (Ray) Shimonis of Frankfort, Il.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Jean Peterson.
Memorial visitation will be held Sunday September 2nd from 2 to 4:00 P.M. at the Yurs Funeral Home 1771 W. State Street (Rte 38) Geneva.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
For more information, please call Yurs Funeral Home of Geneva, 630-232-7337 or at www.yursfuneralhomes.com
I first got to know Karen when I was the fourth grade teacher for her two children, and then was so pleased when I started Weight Watchers again to see that she was working there. I never saw her without a smile on her face. She was such an energetic, kind, and enthusiastic person. It is hard to realize she is gone. She will be missed!
My family and I are very grateful for all of the love and support that Weight Watchers has expressed. Karen, my mother, regarded each of you as dear and close friends. We could not ask for a greater gift, nor finer tribute, than the memories and condolences you have shared. We are touched by your thoughtful generosity. ~Megan Holt