Karen Kaye Masterson

Karen Kaye Masterson, nee Zaccard, died September 11, 2024 in Glenview, IL after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke. She was born June 7, 1942 in Chicago, IL. Loving Mom to Maggie, Jim, Amy and Katie Masterson. Sweet mother-in-law to Beth Masterson and Priscilla Ancheta. Doting, sassy, fun-loving, creative grandmother to Emelia, Aidan and Phineas Gleber and Vera, Bella, Maeve, Seamus and Mickey Masterson. Her generous spirit lives on in us all.

Karen loved to entertain. Her house was always open and the more the merrier. Her decades-long catering career was sparked in the Future Homemakers Club at Glenbrook High School, 1958. She had a rocky start when she made beef stew for one of her first home cooked meals as a new bride. She heard that stew was better the second day, so she cooked it for two days. When she served it, it was gray mush, but that didn’t stop her. She built an illustrious career in food service, initially with her former husband, Jim “Geege” Masterson’s family’s restaurant, Hackney’s, and later with her own company, Zac’s Catering. She catered family functions, company lunches and corporate events all over Chicagoland; everything from a corporate account with Underwriter’s Laboratories to private events for Chicago White Sox baseball players.

Karen was generous and welcoming, kindhearted with a wicked sense of humor. She helped just about every niece, nephew and godchild in her sprawling, extended family celebrate important life events, usually by throwing them parties they’d never forget. A generation later she did the same for their children when it was their turn to get married, have babies, or hit milestones. Every baby born to someone she loved was gifted with hand sewn baby quilts, blankets, and dolls. She could always find a reason to celebrate even the simplest things. She had an impeccable sense of style, both professionally and personally. She never went a day in her adult life without red lipstick. She was beautiful and charming, strong, fiery, and fiercely independent. And she loved her children and grandchildren with her whole heart.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, September 17, 2024 from 1:00 pm until time of memorial service at 3:00 pm at the Pavilion in The Grove Nature Preserve, 1421 Milwaukee Avenue, Glenview, IL 60025.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at https://alzfdn.org/donate/ would be gratefully appreciated.