Funeral Details

Karen Kominsky Fetman

October 2, 1944 - December 30, 2025

SERVICE INFORMATION

Date and Time

Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM

Memorial Service

Chicago Jewish Funerals
Buffalo Grove Chapel
195 North Buffalo Grove Road
Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089
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Clergy

Rabbi Linda Kersh Steigman

Interment - Private

Shiva

Joel and Theresa's Residence
121 North Old McHenry Road
Hawthorn Woods, Illinois 60047
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Immediately following the service until 8PM
and
Friday 12 Noon - 4PM

Memorial Contributions

American Stroke Association
7272 Greenville Ave. Dallas, Tx 75231
Stroke.org




OBITUARY

Karen Kominsky Fetman lived a life defined by a capacity for love that was, quite literally, boundless. A woman of deep integrity, resilience, and sharp wit, Karen passed away leaving behind a legacy centered on kindness, openness, and the importance of being a good human.

Born to Sophie and Morrie Kominsky, Karen grew up in the Chicago area and graduated from Evanston High School. She was a natural entrepreneur who balanced her professional life—including work with Aon and The United Way—with a lifelong passion for creative endeavors. Whether she was painting, arranging flowers, or making jewelry, her heart was full and her hands were rarely still.

To Karen, family was everything. She was a devoted mother who never missed a game, a performance, or a milestone. She raised her children with a firm belief in speaking up for oneself and building deep connections with others, and kept her extended family of cousins as close as siblings. Her granddaughters, Isabel and Jasmine, were a particular source of joy.

A proud breast cancer survivor, Karen met life’s challenges with quiet strength and her trademark encouragement: "Rome wasn't built in a day." Following a stroke in December 2021, her spirit remained unbroken. She continued to laugh, crack jokes to make others smile, and enjoy the company of her friends and family.

Karen’s social spirit was best captured by "The Jerks"—her beloved group of friends. A “demon” at Rummy-kub and a regular Mahjong player, she was funny, deeply loyal, and fiercely loved. In truth, to know Karen was to experience unconditional love.

Karen is survived by her children, Marci Geller and Joel Geller (Theresa Benson); her granddaughters, Jasmine and Isabel Velez; and her sister, Sheila Schulman (Fred). She was preceded in death by her parents, Sophie and Morrie Kominsky.

Service Thursday 2PM at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 195 North Buffalo Grove Road (1 Block North of Lake Cook Road), Buffalo Grove. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to American Stroke Association, 7272 Greenville Ave. Dallas, Tx 75231, Stroke.org. To attend the funeral livestream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Buffalo Grove Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com


GUEST BOOK

We encourage you to share your personal condolences and stories of Karen Kominsky Fetman below and we will share them with the family.
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Loving thoughts to my special friend Marcie, and your family.

Nancy Ronan
December 31, 2025
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I know the special relationship you had with your mom. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Love you.

Diane Geller
January 1, 2026
Although Karen and I had different parents, we were, in all essence, sisters. She and my mom (Aunt Bea) were the closest of all of the family. They shared vacations, love, and respect for one another. When Aunt Bea passed, Karen and I became so close, and have been ever since. We were best friends, confidants, and helped each other throughout the years, with life's daily dramas, and in times of real trauma. We were always there for each other. She lived life and all of it's complications, with a smile on her face, and never let herself get down for too long. When Karen had the stroke, and her life became so difficult, she was still able to laugh, and had a sense of humor. When most people would have given up, Karen held strong, and lived life with grace. I know she is now out of pain, and catching up with my aunt and uncle, and her dear Aunt Bea. She will always be in my heart. Be in peace, my dear cousin and sister.

Robin Arnold
January 2, 2026
I remember going to Marci's house and Karen would pop-in and say, "I'm going out with my friends, be back soon" and Marci would say, "Mom you just got home". She was such an energetic lady and so funny. When my husband and I went over to the house to fix the faucet, she would make us laugh. She will be missed, but I know she will be watching Marci and sending her signs that she is there with her in spirit. Take care Marci, we are thinking about you.

Vicki Owczarek
January 6, 2026
Joel, Marci & Theresa,

We are sending you healing thoughts & love as you remember your Mom. The few times I met her left me with memories of her smile & laughter. Her spirit lives on through your love.

The Fagot Family

Lesley Fagot
January 7, 2026
Such a beautiful picture of your mom and exactly how I remember her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of Karen’s family. May fond memories of her lift you up, bring a smile to your face and give you peace.

Shelli O’Brien
January 8, 2026
You will be dearly missed, our beloved neighbor. May Her Memory Be a Blessing.

Edyta Karna
January 8, 2026
We would also like to write a candle and Karen's memory and hopefully she'll rest in peace now and her family can get on with their thoughts of the wonderful and thoughtful person their mother was and she was also a great friend to Edgar and Debbie Maldonado Johnny's mom and she's so deeply appreciated when we took Lindsay Isabel and Jasmine into her home for approximately 7 years to give them a stable home and a good place to live for a while and I will never forget those words when they came out of her mouth how grateful she was that we took them in and didn't leave them out in the street.

Debbie and Edgar Maldonado
January 8, 2026