Karen Shelley Masel, 73, of Arcola passed away Jan. 27, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
Born Aug. 6, 1951, to Alfred and Kathleen Lowey of Oakland, Calif., Karen retained her love for the San Francisco Bay area despite spending many years in Central Illinois.
She received a BA degree from the University of California at Davis and lived briefly in Germany before settling in Champaign, where she worked as a secretary in several departments of the University of Illinois.
She possessed a quick wit and was an avid reader. Karen loved animals, especially cats, and often volunteered at area shelters. She will be deeply missed by the people whose lives she touched.
Donations may be made in her name to the Coles County Animal Shelter.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m.