The Lake Villa community is grappling with a deep and heartfelt loss following the sudden and unexpected passing of Karen Lennes, a beloved 5th-grade teacher at Thompson Elementary School. Her death has sent waves of sorrow through the school, the district, and the broader community she so passionately served.
Karen was more than just an educator—she was a guiding light, a mentor, and a tireless advocate for her students. Her classroom was a sanctuary of encouragement and possibility, where every child felt seen, heard, and valued. Whether she was helping a student grasp a difficult math concept, mediating playground disputes with fairness and empathy, or staying after school to help struggling learners, Karen did it all with grace and unwavering commitment.
Over her many years at Thompson Elementary, Karen touched the lives of hundreds of students and countless families. Generations of learners walked through her door and came out not only smarter but more confident, kinder, and more curious about the world. Her peers often remarked on her boundless energy, her infectious laughter, and her uncanny ability to turn even the most mundane school day into an opportunity for joy and discovery.
Outside the classroom, Karen was an active member of the community. She volunteered at local events, participated in school fundraisers, and was always the first to step up when someone needed help. Her heart was as expansive as her dedication, and those who knew her speak of her as a woman of integrity, kindness, and boundless generosity.
For the staff at Thompson Elementary, Karen was more than a colleague—she was family. She mentored new teachers with patience and wisdom, celebrated her coworkers’ successes with genuine joy, and offered support during times of struggle. Her absence in the teachers’ lounge, in the hallways, and at school functions is deeply felt.
In response to her sudden passing, the school district has offered grief counseling and support services for students, staff, and families. A memorial space has been set up in her classroom, where students and coworkers have begun to leave letters, drawings, and mementos honoring the profound role she played in their lives. Plans for a community-wide celebration of her life are underway, with parents and former students already coming forward to share how Karen changed their lives.
As the community mourns this tremendous loss, the legacy Karen Lennes leaves behind will not fade. Her passion for education, her compassion for her students, and her unwavering dedication to her calling will continue to inspire those who knew her. Though she is no longer with us, the light she brought into so many lives continues to shine.
Lake Villa has lost one of its brightest stars, but the impact Karen made will echo for generations. May her memory be a blessing, and may her family, friends, students, and colleagues find comfort in the profound mark she made on the world.
