Karen Kravtin Shadrick

Karen Kravtin Shadrick, 61, of Evanston, Illinois, passed away peacefully and surrounded by love on September 16, 2024. Born on August 24, 1963, in Columbus, Georgia, Karen was the youngest of the three Kravtin sisters and a cherished daughter of Ruth and Maurice Kravtin. She graduated from Hardaway High School and went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Tulane University, followed by her Master’s in Advertising from Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism. Karen enjoyed a distinguished career in advertising, culminating as a Senior Partner at Euro RSCG Tatham, where her creativity and leadership earned her recognition in publications from the Chicago Tribune to AdWeek. Celebrated as one of the “Advertising Ones to Watch,” she was instrumental in launching successful campaigns for major brands and dedicated herself to mentoring emerging talent. Her commitment to her work was matched only by her love for her family and friends. Karen was a devoted mother and a pillar of strength for her daughter, Melissa Shadrick, who considered her not only a best friend and greatest confidant but also her biggest supporter. She nurtured with love and served as a guiding force. Family was paramount; she and her husband, Dana A. Shadrick IV, built a wonderful life together over 37 years, filled with laughter, adventure, and unwavering support for one another. Karen’s bond with her sisters, Patricia and Michelle, was a cornerstone of her life. As the youngest of the "Kravtin girls," she was lovingly dubbed "little KK" by her extended family. Patricia and Michelle provided steadfast support from the day she was born, sharing guidance, laughter, and boundless love with their little sister. In her personal life, Karen was known for her caring and fun loving nature, open-mindedness and deep sense of curiosity. She embraced a wide range of interests, bringing an abundance of joy to those around her. She loved sunset catamaran rides and treasured trips to Door County, Wisconsin, where unforgettable family memories were made. Her enthusiasm for life extended to her passions for reading, creative writing, charity work, and travel. Karen is survived by her devoted husband, Dana; her adored daughter, Melissa; her dear sister, Patricia Kravtin and husband Jonathan Horwitz; her late sister, Michelle Gary and husband Marc Gary; and her brother-in-law, Steve Shadrick and wife Jeri Shadrick. She was a loving aunt to Philip Gary and wife Amanda Resnikoff Gary, Tammy Friedman and husband Mark Friedman, Julian Horwitz and wife Shruti Sehgal, Leslie Horwitz and husband Jordan McNeile, and Tyler Shadrick and wife Sarah Shadrick, Scott Shadrick and wife Jasmine Shadrick, and Syd Shadrick. Additionally, she was a cherished great-aunt to Abby Gary, Miles and Marlie Friedman, and Arjun Horwitz. Karen will be deeply missed. A headstone dedication will take place at Riverdale Cemetery in Columbus, Georgia. Please contact arrangements@dasiv.com if you have any questions. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the National Scleroderma Foundation's research efforts at https://scleroderma.org/. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-370-2959 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com

Karen Kravtin Shadrick

August 24, 1963 - September 16, 2024