Karen Jones

MADISON – Karen Ann Jones, age 82, of Madison, passed away on Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021 at the UW Hospital in Madison.  She was born on March 18, 1939, in Janesville, WI to Harriet and Donald Hillestad.  Karen attended Milton Union High School.  After high school, she attended Illinois Wesleyan University where she joined Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and later transferred to the University of Wisconsin Madison where she earned a B.S. in English.

Karen married Dayton Avery Jones on May 5, 1962.  They lived in Madison WI where she focused on raising their family.  She was a devoted mother who treasured her children and embraced every moment with them.

Karen loved to host family and friends and was an excellent cook.  Her lasagna, bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin, cheesy potatoes, and plum cake with rum sauce were legendary.

She enjoyed traveling with her husband.  Together they visited 49 of the 50 states, traveled to countless Wisconsin Badger games, and attended many Shrine events.

Karen was an active member of the Daughters of the Nile since 1981.

She also served as an Angel at the Attic Angel Community where she worked to improve the lives of residents.

Karen was preceded in death by her daughter, Gwendolyn; parents, Harriet and Donald Hillestad; and sister, Kristin Christenson.

She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Dayton: children, Eric (Kathleen), Andrew (Lauri), and Jeffrey:  grandchildren Alyssa, Rachael, Megan, Katherine, Elizabeth, Stephanie, Alec, and Madeline.

A celebration of life service will be held on August 5th, 2021: Visitation 3 pm, Memorial Service 4 pm at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 326 S Segoe Road. Madison, WI.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church , Shriner's Hospitals , or Attic Angel Community .

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