Karen J. Fasuga, beloved by all who knew her as Sissy, was born on March 27, 1951, on the South Side of Chicago, and passed away on April 10, 2026, at the age of 75. She was a beautiful daughter and sister, a devoted aunt, and a loving friend to every person and creature she encountered.
Sissy had a rare gift for connection. She could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere—offering kind words, thoughtful compliments, and genuine warmth. She had a way of making people feel seen, often leaving them with a smile they didn’t expect.
She lived with a true zest for life and had a remarkable ability to create memorable experiences. Whether it was choosing the perfect restaurant, recommending exactly what to order, curating the right music, or even helping you decide what to wear (her style was outstanding), Sissy knew how to make any moment feel special—and she loved sharing that joy with others. We will always remember her delicious chile rellenos, which were a favorite among those lucky enough to enjoy them.
Though she had no children of her own, Sissy’s natural maternal instincts were evident in the love and care she gave to her nieces and nephews. When they were growing up, she would take them to museums and art exhibits around the city, always wanting to expose them to culture, creativity, and new experiences, and the day usually ended up at McDonald’s, mixing ketchup and salt together for a dipping sauce for the fries. She checked in often, made time to visit, and made sure they felt supported and cared for. She was incredibly generous—often showing up with thoughtful gifts or things you didn’t even know you needed (often from QVC), simply as a way to say, “I’m thinking of you.”
Sissy also had a deep, deep love for animals (a true Ace Ventura) and a compassionate spirit that extended to all living things. She cared for countless animals over the years (Whitey, Babe, Sugar, just to name a few), taking many into her home and helping rehome others. She would lay out varieties of seeds, veggies, and even go so far as to boil chicken so her wild fur babies could enjoy a buffet! Her yard often became a gathering place for skunks (her favorite), birds, squirrels, raccoons, and more—creating a magical space that some would consider to be heavenly, where animals of all kinds coexisted and were cared for.
A devoted Catholic, Sissy found meaning in her faith and gave her time to helping those less fortunate, always wanting to offer what she could to others.
Complex by nature and strong in spirit, Sissy lived life on her own terms. Despite life’s challenges, those who knew her could always recognize the goodness in her heart and the generosity she extended so freely—especially to those she loved. Though life was not always easy, the love she gave and the connections she formed will not be forgotten.
Adventurous, selfless, eccentric, caring, beautiful inside and out, and so much fun — Sissy truly was a one-of-a-kind soul who will be deeply missed by many.
Sissy is preceded in death by her beloved pets, her parents, Alfred and Dolores, her brother, Freddie, and her nephew, Kenny. She is survived by her sisters, Kitty and Donna; her nieces, Dawn, Christin, Brittney, and Danielle; her nephew, Jaimie; and her great-nephews, Dylan and Jacob.
A memorial mass to honor her will take place at St. Daniel the Prophet Church located at 6612 W. 54th St. in Chicago, IL., 60638, on Saturday, June 6th, at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Karen’s memory to the Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control — the nonprofit dedicated to saving the lives of thousands of animals at Chicago’s city shelter each year.
