KAREN ADELE PAUL, 76 FREEPORT - Karen Adele Paul, 76, of Freeport passed away on Friday September 11, 2015 at the Stephenson Nursing Center in Freeport IL. She was born on November 21, 1938 to Rush (Peco) and Alice (Donahue) Kirk in Freeport IL. She graduated from Stockton High School in 1956. After graduation she worked for her parents as a waitress at the Continental Coffee Shop in Stockton IL. She later worked as a waitress at the Poor Richards Coffee Shop in Freeport. On May 26, 1966 she married Donald Paul. He passed away on September 30, 2001. She became a childcare provider for the next 38 years. She was well known for her love of the many children she cared for. She was an active member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Freeport IL. After the death of her husband, Karen retired and moved to Prairie Ridge Apartments in Freeport. She enjoyed her life there finding new friends, participating in the social activities it offered and helping other residents with tasks when needed. She is survived by her sisters Diane (Jon) Kaufman of Stockton, IL. Christine (Jim)Eastwood of Modesto, CA. and brothers Tim (Linda) Kirk of Mt. Carroll, IL. and Rick Kirk of Freeport IL., step brothers Art (Jan) Leverington of Red Oak IL and Jim (Mary) Leverington of Freeport IL. Karen is also survived by 6 nieces and nephews and 10 great nieces and nephews whom she always remembered on their birthdays and other "special" days they had in their lives. Karen was proceeded in death by her husband of 35 years, her parents, infant brother Terry Kirk, step father Marion Leverington and step-brother Ed Leverington. Funeral mass will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Freeport, IL. on Thurs. Sept. 17, 2015 at 11 am. Visitation will be one hour prior to the mass of Christian burial. Inurnment will be at Freeport City cemetery at a later date. A memorial fund has been established in the name of St. Thomas Aquinas Church. Online condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.schwarzfh.com.