Karen Slocum had a great sense of humor and loved Willie Nelson

Karen Slocum, 86, a resident of Rockton, IL, was well known as a highly skilled quilter and member of the Rebels Quilt Club.  She was a graduate of Hononegah High School where she was a HCHS cheerleader.

Karen was born Dec. 16, 1936, in Rockford, Ill.  She was the daughter of William and Evelyn (Lolling) Cannel.

Karen passed away on Tuesday, Jan 10, 2023.

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Karen was an amazing mother who willingly sacrificed many things in life to provide for her children. When asked years ago if life was hard for her, she simply replied, “My children are my greatest blessing.”

She was a fiercely loyal friend to many.  She was known to have a great sense of humor and loved to tell jokes. She enjoyed going out for meals with family and friends. She had a passion for life, her family and her faith in the Lord. She also loved the music of Willie Nelson.

Karen is survived by her children: sons Neal Slocum of Asheville, NC, Mark Slocum of Granbury, TX, Michael Slocum, Granbury, TX, Patrick Slocum, Weatherford, TX; daughter Kelly Rosengren of Bloomington, IL; siblings Jill Herraman of Rockton, IL and Tomas Machen of Beloit, WI, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her infant son Timothy Slocum, her parents William and Evelyn Cannell, and brothers Eugene Cannell, Roger Cannell, Paul Cannell, Patrick Cannell, and Michael Cannell.

Karen will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her. Vigil service will be held on Friday January 20 from 6-8 p.m. at McCorkle Funeral Home, 767 N. Blackhawk Blvd, Rockton, IL 61072. (A rosary service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday.) A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Bala Kasipogu at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 822 E. Grand Ave, Beloit, WI, Saturday, January 21 at 10:30 a.m. with the Rite of Committal and burial to follow at (Old) Rockton Township Cemetery.

A live stream viewing with additional details about Karen Slocum is available at https://my.gather.app/remember/karen-slocum.