Karen J Murphy, 71, of North Port, passed away on March 13, 2019.  She was the daughter of  Clifford and Audrey Clauson. She was born on October 31, 1947 and grew up in Chicago where she went to North Park College and became a teacher. In 1967 she married and started a family.  She was in Illinois until 1997 when  she moved to Florida and made her home  there until her death.  Karen loved activities that evoked her creativity.  She enjoyed making and baking cakes, crafts, music, and playing the piano.  She would bowl with her friends and loved to support the local theater at North Port High School whether through attendance to their performances or through donations.  Karen is survived by her sons: Brian Clarke and wife Lisa, of Illinois, and Kevin Clarke and his partner Agnes Debicki of Illinois.  She was gifted with four grandchildren; Christopher, Caitlyn, Dezirae, and Roman. Memorial services will be held on April the 3rd at Cooney Funeral Home in Park Ridge from 5Pm to 8PM.  Service at 7:30 p.m. Info 847-685-1002 www.cooneyfuneralhome.com