Karen Lyons, executive assistant to the Greater St. Louis Labor Council president, died peacefully last week, at home, surrounded by her family, following a four-year battle with cancer. She was 66.
“Karen was the heart and soul of the Labor Council,” Labor Council President Pat White wrote in an email to Council members. “She worked tirelessly to manage the day to day activities of the office and also deliver impeccable special events. Karen was a master of details, which made each event and member feel special.
“Karen was most proud of her work with $5 for the Fight and was honored to be able to support struggling union members.
“Karen’s leadership over the past decade has left us with a strong foundation which enables us to successfully move forward with Labors message to the St. Louis region. She will be greatly missed.”
Sister Karen is survived by her beloved husband of 17 years, Michael, and children Megan (Kami Sanders) of St. Louis, Christine (Pete) Salsich III of St. Louis, and Julie (John) Pins of Geneva, IL, and 5 grandchildren: Peter IV, Erin and Courtney Salsich and Caroline and Matthew Pins. She also is survived by her Gaeng siblings, Daniel (Marybeth), Jane A., David T., Timothy J. (Kathy), Thomas G., Michael (Glennis) and John (Gloria) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sister Karen was preceded in death by her parents Kenneth and Rosemary Gaeng and brothers James J.,Gregory K. (Jacklyn) and Graham.
Sister Karen was a resident of St. Charles, MO. Born on November 6, 1948, she attended St. Gregory School in St. Ann, MO and St. Mark’s Academy.
Visitation will held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Collier’s Funeral Home 3400 North Lindbergh Blvd. in St. Ann.
A memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 18, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 3519 N. 14th Street in St. Louis.
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