Karen M. Lennes
Obituary's Biography:
Karen M. Lennes, 54, a resident of Round Lake Beach, IL, passed away May 4, 2025, at her home. She was born July 27, 1970, in Camden, NJ, to Craig and Cheryl Hammond.
Karen was known to all as a fierce advocate for her family, students, and community. She received her Bachelor’s in Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and was a proud Delta Zeta sister. She later received her Master’s in Education from Augustana College. As an educator, Karen thrived; she had a genuine passion for teaching and unconditional love for her students. She spent the majority of her career at Thompson Elementary in Lake Villa School District #41 on their fifth grade team. She always sought to “change her little corner of the world,” and she did – Karen worked tirelessly to create a classroom which was a safe space for all, especially for LGBTQ+ students. This work extended to her daily life where she was an active member of her community and local PFLAG organization. She always brought joy and laughter to the world around her and made sure that absolutely everyone was included in that joy. Karen will be remembered for her bright smile, her bad puns, her love of the Beatles, and walking her dog all around the neighborhood, rain or shine.
Karen is survived by her parents Craig and Cheryl Hammond, her children Scott Lennes, Amanda Lennes, and Charles Lennes, her siblings Michelle (Jeffrey) Hammond-Goddard, Kimberly (Alan) Webb, and Mark (Jennifer) Hammond, her nieces and nephews Amber Goddard, Joshua (Mikayla) Goddard, Summer Goddard, Taylor (Sara) Webb, Jake (Amber) Webb, Josephine Hammond, and Eve Hammond, and her great-nephews Lucas Goddard, Henry Goddard, Will Webb, James Webb, and Aaron Webb.
A visitation is scheduled for Monday, May 12, 2025, at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 from 2:00pm until 8:00pm. The Funeral Mass is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 10:00am at Prince of Peace Catholic Church 135 S. Milwaukee Ave. Lake Villa, IL. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to PFLAG https://pflag.org/, the nation’s largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847) 223-8122.
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I cannot express any words how deeply saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. My deepest sympathies for you and your family during this difficult time.
Karen touched so many lives and loved her family dearly. She is so special to me, a sorority sister, my college roommate, a dear friend, and I was honored to be her maid of honor. She helped me become the woman I am today by showing love and laughter. I will cherish my memories with her and I am so proud of the family she has raised and all the lives she has touched. Love you Karen. 💕🦩
Well said, Bonnie. I have so many great memories of my time with both of you ladies. Karen was truly one of my best friends in college. I’m shocked and tremendously saddened by her passing. May she rest in peace.
I met Karen before my son was even old enough to be in a fifth grade class. She reached out to us in Walmart of all places and said you may not know me yet but I know your son.
Thinking of all of Karen’s family during this difficult time.
She was an incredible lady and she will be missed.
The Foy Family
We offer our deepest condolences to the family. We are holding Karen and her family in our hearts and thoughts
Joe and I are so sorry for your loss. God received another Angel, she’s in safe hands. She will always live on in your hearts. Sending hugs and our sincere condolences. 🙏💔💞
So saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. I knew her from high school and loved seeing her amazing smile and quick wit on Facebook. Her passion for her beloved children, family, students and LBGTQ rights were evident to all. Sincere condolences to all those who loved her, especially her children and family.
Very saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. She and I went to high school together and lived on the same block growing up in upstate New York. Throughout the years I’ve enjoyed seeing her contagious smile and laughing at her amazing wit on Facebook. What struck me most was her unwavering love for her kids, family, students and supporting LGBTQ rights. Deepest condolences to all those who love Karen, especially her beautiful children.
Karen was a wonderful person with a beautiful smile. She was our Son’s 5th grade teacher 19 years ago and we were fortunate to get to see her last week at Thompsons Open House. She was loved by so many
My deepest sympathies for the loss of Karen. Keeping your family in my thoughts during this difficult time. Hugs, Colleen McPike
I was deeply saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. I grew up with Karen and have so many fond memories of us together. We eventually lost touch but re-connected thru FB and I will be forever grateful that I accepted her friend request all those years ago. We lost a truly beautiful person but her love and sweetness will live on thru her family. RIP my sweet friend until we meet again 💔🥺💔
Scott, Amanda, Charlie, Mr. & Mrs. Hammond, Michelle, Kim (QOP), Mark and family, My heart breaks for each of you. I am and will be with you in my prayers this week and in perpetuity. Karen had the incredible gift of being able to lift up others through her passions: her unfailingly strong character, her family, her friends, her students, her communities. Karen (DOP) was, over our 40 year friendship journey: loyal, passionate, talented, fun, kind-hearted, quick-witted, empathetic and fiercely protective of those whom she loved. She knew how to love and be loved. She knew how to cry and comfort those who wept. She knew how to laugh with others but keep a few laughs for herself. Karen “seized the moment” yet remembered all of those moments which became memories. Karen always stopped for me so it is, without coincidence, that I found myself at a stop sign yesterday: on Whedon Road with Feldspar Drive on my left and Simmons Terrace on my right. I stopped at the road where Karen —the creator, the daughter, the cheerleader, the mother, the musician, the educator, the aunt, the advocate, the coordinator, the supporter, my friend— and I, started it all. The irony? I was stopped between two worlds: Feldspar Drive, Karen’s street, and Simmons Terrace, a road bearing the name of my Mom. As if to say, “Look, Mo. I love you. Thanks for stopping for me. I made it — and your Mom says hi, too.” I love you, Karen. ♥️ You’re still stopping me in my tracks. The takeaway? Look for Karen/Mom/Aunt Karen/Mrs.Lennes. Her essence is in your presence, wherever you are and in whatever you do. Sending each of you much love and many prayers for comfort and strength.
We are deeply saddened to hear of your daughter Karen’s passing
She was a bright light in this world and her memory will be forever cherished
Please know your in our thoughts and we are here for you offering our support and love
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Karen’s passing. She was such a bright light of joy who left this world far too soon. May G-d’s love strengthen you in this difficult time and may her memory always be a blessing.
Your family is in my prayers.
About 30 years ago, Karen was the cool older sister who let her little brother (Mark) and his friends (me and Adam L.) stay at her house when we drove all the way from UMass to Illinois on a road trip during Spring Break. I remember walking her dog very early in the morning by myself and getting lost in her neighborhood, Karen making us breakfast, and best of all we all went to her school and classroom and met her students. She was a wonderful big sister, and very cool.