Karen D. Kazak

Karen D’Andrea Kazak, 46, of Carmel, Indiana, passed away on May 12, 2026. She was born on October 20, 1979, in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, to parents, Tom D’Andrea and the late Rosemary (Nabasny) D’Andrea.

Karen loved spending time with her family. You would catch her supporting her children at every sporting event. Karen was a social butterfly, enjoying her time with her girlfriends, and making friends with anyone she met. In her free time, Karen loved running, listening to music, collecting football trading cards, her Bunco and Coopers Hawk clubs, but most of all, loved being with friends and family. Karen graduated from Schaumburg High School and later attended Michigan State University, where she got her degree in Zoology. She completed her schooling by earning her master's degree in Regulatory Affairs from Northwestern University. Karen worked throughout many areas within the Healthcare field, ultimately finding passion in Regulatory Affairs, while moving up to Director level position.

Karen and Tom were a couple for more than two decades. During their time together, they laughed and loved, traveled and started a family. All of this grew exponentially when they became a foster family to children in need and built and added a community of chosen family. Everyone was welcome at their table. Family was everything to Karen. She looked forward to the annual get togethers of glamping at Jellystone, Nabasany Thanksgivings, and family Christmases, along with each birthday and holiday gathering.

Karen’s beautiful (and arguably trademarked) smile and infectious laugh were as big as her heart. A smile never left throughout her cancer journey. Karen’s kindness and compassion, present throughout her life, was extended to every person, patient, nurse and doctor she met- which is a testament to the remarkable person we all knew and loved. 

Karen is survived by her loving husband, Thomas “Tom” Kazak; children, Layla Kazak, Jaxson Kazak; father, Tom D’Andrea; siblings, Catherine D’Andrea (Bryan Quenaud), Tom D’Andrea (Tempyl King); nieces and nephews, Claire Quenaud, Bennett Quenaud, Vinny D’Andrea, Hunter D’Andrea, MacKenzie King; mother-in-law, Kathleen Haug (the late Thomas Haug); and brother-in-law, Chris Kazak (Kirsten Beitzel).

She was preceded in death by her mother, Rosemary D’Andrea.

A Private Memorial Service will be held for family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name may be made to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.