Karen L. McHugh

Karen McHugh, 71, of Waukesha entered into everlasting peace on July 26, 2026. Born May 23, 1955 to Don and Jeanne Jacobs, Karen spent her adventuresome youth at their home on Lake Monona, alongside her siblings and surrounded by her dear grandparents and beloved aunt and uncle. She graduated from Waukesha South High School in 1973 and found her calling in nursing, working as a LPN for over 35 years where her compassion and steady care touched countless patients and colleagues. Karen joined Thomas McHugh in holy matrimony in 1975 and shared 50 beautiful years and two children together. Her greatest gift was creating a home filled with comfort, laughter, and unconditional welcome. Whether gathered around the kitchen table for a spirited game night or spending long summer days at the lake, Karen made every gathering feel like the place you most wanted to be.

Karen is survived by her husband, Tom; children, Emily (David) and Rebecca (Nicholas); and the lights of her life, her grandchildren, Emmett, Kai, and Evelyn, and innumerable family and friends. 

The visitation for Karen will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 1pm until the start of the memorial service at 3:00pm at Cesarz Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home. The family requests any memorial donations be made to the Cancer Research Institute.