Karen Pencek passed away June 28, 2023, after a brief illness. She was born in Brooklyn, New York the daughter of Martha and Cameron Shaw. She spent her early years in Franklin Square, New York and Downers Grove Illinois. 

As a high school student, Karen loved to sing in the A Capella choir and the church choir. She attended Northern Illinois University. She loved her family and was always ready to help them , host a holiday dinner or birthday party. Her family and friends always received a birthday card. She loved to visit antique shops and walk along the coast. She met the love of her life in Illinois and was married for 57 years to Ronald Pencek. They moved to Texas in 1981. Karen is survived by her husband Ron, sons Jeff Pencek (Stephanie), Ron (Janie), four grandchildren: Jessica, Jacob, Kaitlin and Mattew, and two sisters: Lin Hirai (George) and Marcie Shaw (Steve Hartman). 

A memorial service will be held at a later date.