Karen Ann Weeks died peacefully at her home on July 22, 2005. She was a caring daughter, lovin wife, amazing mother, devoted teacher and faithful friend. Born July 25, 1944 in Evanston, Illinois to Bob and Clara Drake, she spent her childhood in Chicago’s Northern Suburbs. Karen studied at The Michigan Lutheran Seminar and then went on to Dr. Martin Luther College where she pursued her love for education. It was there she met her soulmate, and best friend Dan Weeks. The devotion she had to her partner is the same devotion she showed to every child she taught throughout her long career spanning several schools, most notably, the 12 years she spent with West Side Montessori Center. Here she discovered not only her passion and understanding for Marie Montessori’s teaching style but also a very close group of friends and colleagues. Every school year she’d work just as hard as the last to nuture and grow each and every one of her “babies” minds, as she like to call them, in her classroom. Karen found so much joy in all the little (and big) personalities she was lucky enough to meet in her career. It is unquantifiable to mention all the lives she’s touched and all those whom she was touched by. Karen leaves behind husband Dan of 37 years; son David and daughter Alison who, are both a product of her intelligence, confidence , good looks and social respect. She is survived by her brothers, Robert Drake, his wife Georgia, and Don Drake, their respective families, her sister-in-law Eilene Weeks and her family. Karen is also leaving behind three very close friends and confidents, Jody Debacker, Glenda Miller, and Carol Smith who deserve to be called family, because without their help, love for her and support, the family would not have made it through this time. I love you, Babe. Thank you, mom. We love you K-dub. You will truly be missed but not forgotten. On Wednesday, July 27 beginning at 1:30 there will be a memorial service held at Olander Park in Sylvania, Ohio. Donations in honor of her life and career should be made to The Karen Weeks West Side Montessori Center Scholarship Fund.
