Karen P Bavaro

January 2, 1934 - January 7, 2022

Karen Diaferio Peterson Bavaro, age 88, passed away peacefully January 07, 2022. Karen was born January 02, 1934, in Industrial, IL, to the late Leonard and Beulah (nee Lashbrook) Murray. She was the dear sister of Margaret "Midge" (the late Leonard D.) Lamon of Prescott, Arizona. In later years she moved to Chicago and attended Notre Dame School for Girls, before marrying Chris Diaferio with whom she has 4 sons. Karen was the cherished mother of Mike Diaferio, Frank (Cindy) Diaferio, Terry (Kim) Diaferio, Chris (Janice) Diaferio, and then another son, Ted (Irene) Peterson with her second husband, the late Ragnar T. Peterson. During her retirement years Karen was married to Jack Bavaro, where they resided in Palm Harbor, Florida. She was blessed with 20 grandchildren, Anthony, Kristin, Nick, Lindsay, Jenna, Jaclyn, Alina, Jake, Jay, Courtney, Alix Marie, Danielle, Alex Michael, Crissa, Mike, Tanya, Brittney, Scott, Tyler and Kaylee; and 9 great-grandchildren, Erica, Drew, Jack, Domenica, Mia, Addison, Philomena, Gianna and Livia; a legacy that will go on for decades to come. Though widowed multiple times, she raised her sons with love, a strong faith, understanding and unwavering support for all of their various interests. She was a self-taught bookkeeper and Office Manager for years before retiring to Florida and subsequently being diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Karen's smile, belief in God, strong guidance and love for her sons will forever be remembered. Family and friends will gather at St. Emily Catholic Church, 1400 Central Rd., Mt. Prospect, Vistation 9:30 a.m. until time of funeral mass 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 22, 2022. Interment All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Des Plaines. In lieu of flowers donations to alz.org (Alzheimer's Assn.) will be appreciated.