Karen Perry, 51, of Collinsville, Ill., born June 26, 1963, in Chicago, Ill., passed away Friday, Dec. 5, 2014, at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Mo., with her family by her side. On Nov. 2, 1985, Karen Frank married Steve Perry, the love of her life in Palos Heights, Ill. Karen was a faithful member of Our Lord's Lutheran Church in Maryville, Ill., where she sang in the church choir. Karen was an accomplished musician and enjoyed singing, playing the oboe, the church organ, and her baby grand piano, she was a dedicated math teacher, music teacher, and gymnastics coach for many years. Her current position was school superintendent in Morrisonville, Ill. Karen had a special thirst for knowledge; she believed in furthering her education and was currently working on her Ph.D. Community Theater was her passion; Karen was a director, music director, and loved being on the stage. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, baking, online shopping and educational traveling with Steve and her four children. Karen loved life, she loved to laugh, but most of all she was proud of her children and loved her family. Karen will be remembered for her strength, her love, and special times shared with family and friends. She saw the beauty in others, the potential in everyone, and inspired and believed in them, and encouraged them to do their best. She was loved by all. "We love you mom, think of bunnies!" She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Marian, nee Kien, Frank. She is survived by her loving husband of 29 years, Steve Perry; four amazing children, Matthew (Holly) Perry, Sarah Perry, Rachel Perry and Rebekah Perry; devoted "Lil' Sis" Beth (Steve) Barlow; cherished goddaughter, Morgan Barlow; dear mother-in-law, Judy Perry Friedmansky; and her extended family and many wonderful friends.Memorial donations may be given to the Karen D. Perry Arts and Entertainment Scholarship Fund to benefit the arts in our community and will be accepted at the funeral homes. Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014, at Irwin Chapel, 591 Glen Crossing Road, Glen Carbon, Ill. Funeral: In celebration of her life, funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014, at Irwin Chapel, Glen Carbon, Ill., with Pastor John Lottes officiating. A second visitation and funeral service will be held at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, Ill. The visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until noon on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014, the funeral service will start at noon. Karen will be laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery in Decatur, Ill.