Karen Ruth Kotzbach Mccreary

Karen Ruth (Kotzbach) McCreary made her final trip to her eternal home with God on Friday, October 14,2022. She was born on October 18, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio to Russell Otto Kotzbach and Marion Collette (Malone) Kotzbach.

Karen was devoted to God and strived to always live for God. A steadfast wife of nearly 59 years and a mother of five who gave her family many beautiful memories. Her children will tell you they grew up eating delicious, home cooked meals every day, checked the cookie jar after school for their favorite fresh baked treats and loved to see the strawberry season arrive for the next batch of homemade “Grammy Jammy.” Holidays were made extra special with an elegant meal complete with her best china and crystal. She taught us to always make room at the table for someone who didn’t have a place to celebrate the holidays.

A devoted mother, she was there when a comforting hug or snuggling was needed to calm a child, often with a funny story, to help chase away their fears. Each child was uniquely blessed with her love often expressed in little special moments or things she would share with them. She always encouraged her children to do their best and always loved them dearly, no matter what.

Karen taught herself to sew and loved making children’s clothes, especially for her girls. From pretty toddler dresses and Easter coats to elegant prom gowns, her girls were properly and fashionably dressed. Many at church knew her as the pretty lady in the elegant hat.

Filled with a proper Irish wit, humor and hospitality, Karen’s warm smile befriended everyone she encountered. A silent elevator was always brought to life with her conversation. An avid reader with a keen mind, she would share her knowledge to the delight and edification of anyone around her.

She was a pen pal with friends for over 50 years. Her letters were always handwritten with a real fountain pen on fancy stationery with a matching envelope and a pretty stamp. As her illnesses began to limit what she could do, she chose to write letters to others who were ill, suffering in some way or just to offer a little unexpected humor or encouragement into someone’s life. She looked upon this as her ministry to give something meaningful to others.

When sickness dominated the latter years of her life, and even in a hospital bed, she continued to enrich the lives of those around her, including the staff that cared for her. Karen faced these difficulties with a determination to carry on that amazed many of her doctors. She was a survivor always ready to cheerfully share her wisdom with anyone she met. Only those closest to her knew of the pain and suffering she lived with for many, many years.

In her final weeks, she continued to teach what she proudly proclaimed as God’s pure truth. Life does not need to be complicated. Simply stated, “God is love, God is love, God is love!”

Her wish would be that you allow this love to help you choose kindness with whomever you happen upon, regardless of the situation. One of her final prayers for us is to challenge ourselves to spend time each day growing closer to God and understanding in perfect clarity His amazing promise for us all.

May God grant us the grace and wisdom to see and emulate the gifts God gave her and to thank God for the gift of her presence in our lives.

Karen is survived by her endearing and devoted husband of nearly 59 years, Joseph “Joe” Charles McCreary of Plano, Texas and her sweet chickadees Michele Ann McCreary, Patricia “Tricia” Louise McCreary Gura, Kevin Joseph McCreary and  his wife, Kendra (Tillery) McCreary, Peter James McCreary as well as her flock of grandchildren, Meaghan Anne Gura, Brendan Carbury Gura, Reagan Joseph McCreary, Mary Catherine McCreary, Grace Irene McCreary, Shamus Kelley Tillery McCreary, Declan Joseph Tillery McCreary, Caitlin Mai McCreary, Ashlyn Jo McCreary, Colin Matthew McCreary and Nolan Michael McCreary along with many nieces, nephews and close friends. She was preceded in death by her dear son, David Sean McCreary, parents, Russell and Marion Kotzbach, and brothers, Geoffey Michael and Timothy John Kotzbach.

There will be a rosary Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. followed by a mass at 2:00 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2700 W Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, Texas with Rev. Bruce Bradley officiating.  If you wish to join the mass via webcast, please visit: https://youtu.be/JqgEefAVQoM

Karen will be laid to rest at the columbarium following the mass.

There will be a reception following the inurnment.

If desired contributions may be made in Karen’s name to St. Vincent de Paul at https://www.stvincentdepaul.net