ROCKFORD, Ill. — A celebration of life for Karen S. Bauman, 58, of Rockford, Ill., who died Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017, will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108.

Ms. Bauman was born Oct. 28, 1959, in Natchez, the daughter of Edward and Joan Roberts McDaniel.

She was employed as a corporate travel agent for a number of years, most recently at Camelot World Travel.

Karen was an amazing woman who always worked hard, always put others first and always had a smile that could brighten any room. She was passionate about sports, whether it was watching them or playing them. She excelled in playing softball, and she loved NASCAR and cheering for the Bears.

Karen was a fantastic mother, and she was devoted to her daughters and their education.

Karen will always be remembered for the love she gave us and the memories we will cherish forever. She was truly one of a kind.

Survivors include two daughters, Dr. Renee Winner of Jacksonville, Fla., and Courtney Bauman and significant other, Dave Timmerman; four siblings, Ronnie McDaniel, Debbie Green, David “Cracky” McDaniel and Ricky McDaniel and wife, Angie; and a number of cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

She is also survived by her other “girls,” October and Buttercup.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, but if you’d like to send flowers, please make sure they’re purple.

Online condolences may be sent to fitzgeraldfh.com.