Karen Lee Maloney (née Titter), 80, of O'Fallon, Ill., passed away peacefully at home on November 25, 2025, surrounded by love, after a short but intense battle with cancer.

Karen devoted 5 years to the Bank of O'Fallon and retired after 30 years with AT&T. She cherished the many years spent with her parents creating floats for the annual O'Fallon Homecoming parade.

Throughout her life, she was an active member of O'Fallon First United Methodist Church, participating in Methodist Women's Friendship Circle, the Chancel Choir, and the Handbell Choir.

Karen found joy in attending Illinois Homemakers Camp, where she both taught and took part in craft-making. For many years, she lovingly created seasonal decorations for the Cedar Ridge Health Care dining hall, brightening the days of its residents. Her presence was also well known at the Looking Glass Playhouse in Lebanon, where she worked as Administrative Assistant for numerous shows and was affectionately recognized as the apple-pie raffle-ticket seller. She also appeared onstage in many productions, including the annual A Christmas Carol.

In recent years, Karen took up quilting with her dear friend, Jane. Together, they made more than 125 quilts for organizations supporting children in need of comfort. Karen's heart always held a special place for children, and she will be remembered for the hundreds of pumpkins she donated each year to local church preschools. She was also an honorary "grandma" to the O'Fallon Panthers Marching Band, attending every rehearsal and concert she could. Watching her loved ones perform brought her immense joy. As Karen often said, "I played the accordion, so I wasn't allowed to be in the marching band—but I love to watch my kids play!"

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, William R. Titter (1998) and Leola Titter (née Krump) (2009), as well as her husband of 12 years, James W. Maloney, who passed away on March 11, 2020. She is survived by her chosen family—Jane Stump, Katie Stump, and Sam & Ben Holt, and Margaret Bloom—who surrounded her with love, affection, and the kind of gentle teasing shared among those bound by heart rather than birth. She is also survived by many close and cherished friends. Her family would like to say a special thank you to BJC Hospice for their compassionate care and Private Home Care for their loving staff who supported caregivers during this time.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am, Monday, December 1, 2025 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon, Ill., with Chaplain Kerry Turk and Deacon Glenn Netemeyer officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at O'Fallon City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Karen requested that memorial contributions be made to the O'Fallon Panther Band Boosters Angel Fund. Supporting young musicians—especially those who might otherwise be unable to afford the joy of marching band—was deeply important to her. A gift in her honor will continue the kindness she showed so freely and help her love for "her kids" live on. Online condolences may be offered at www.wfh-ofallon.com.