Karen L. Page

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Karen L. Page, former Director of ABC Playhouse
Child Care Center and beloved Wife and Mother. Karen died peacefully on July 27th, 2025, at the age of
64 at her home in Garden Prairie, Illinois surrounded by her family and friends.
Born October 4th, 1960 in Beloit, WI, she was the daughter of Dorothy (Flood) and Curtis Kitelinger. She
graduated from Beloit Memorial High School Class of '79 and attended UW Platteville for a short time
and then worked at CableVision before starting her own preschool in the basement of St. Paul Lutheran
Church. Growing children was her life's passion and just a couple years later she bought the former
ABC Playhouse Child Care Center. She designed and her family built two additions to the quaint
farmhouse and the next 30 years were filled with staff commrodery, smiling children, preschool
graduations, and pizza and remodeling on the weekends. She held those memories and people close to
her heart as she danced through her diagnosis. Karen lived with cancer since 2006 and through
remissions and treatments she continued to be a shining light.
Karen was first when it came to fashion. She loved shopping for just the right piece whether it be
clothing or decor. She was an avid yogi, and spent most of her later years living in the present. She
loved to walk her dog, play backgammon, and above all her grandchildren were her pride and joy. Karen
gave the most thoughtful gifts and often spent many hours preparing batches of employee appreciation
gifts and gifts for the neighbors. She enjoyed writing letters and sending cards for every occasion, her
thoughtful words and wise presence will be sorely missed.
Karen retired in 2016 and she enjoyed planting her flower garden in the spring and redecorating her
home. She spent meaningful time with her children and grandchildren and after dating Steven Page for
seven years, she finally said yes in 2019. Steve stood by her side through chemotherapy, radiations, and
brain surgery. He cared for her in their home until her last breath. Karen loved her life, it was
spontaneous and abundant with joy.
Karen is survived by her husband Steven Page, Son William McCauley, Daughter Jessie
(Mike)Truesdale, sister Connie (John) Nicholas, nephews Aaron Driscoll, Martin (Melissa) Driscoll,
Christopher (Nancy) Nicholas, niece Valerie Driscoll, great aunt Gloria Flood, cousins Kay and Gale, and
13 grandchildren.
She is predeceased by her parents Dorothy Laskowski and Curtis Kitelinger and her brother Martin
Kitelinger.
The family invites all who knew and loved Karen to celebrate her life during a Celebration of Life event at
the Businessmen's Association, located at 525 Washington St., South Beloit, IL. This memorial will take
place on August 22nd at 3pm with dinner to follow.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Karen L. Page, please visit our floral store.