Karen Mathena

Karen Jean Mathena, 79, of Cape Girardeau passed away Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Southeast Hospital.

She was born Oct. 11, 1943, in McComb, Illinois, daughter of the late Gerald and Mallie Shoemaker Leonard. She and Jack Lee Mathena had been married 58 years prior to his passing in 2020.

Karen worked mostly as a homemaker, and loved plants and flowers. She loved her family, and it was a priority spending time with them.

Karen is survived by a daughter, Lori Gallo; sons, Cody and James Mathena; grandson, Derek Mathena; great-grandson, Michael Mathena; and sister, Mary Starr.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Lee Mathena; grandson, Damon Mathena; sister, Freda Hogan; and brother, Edward Leonard.

Cremation rites have been entrusted to Crain Funeral Home of Cape Girardeau.