Obituary of Karen Berenice Diaz Perez

KAREN B. DIAZ PEREZ, 25 of Milwaukee, died unexpectedly on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at her home in Milwaukee, WI.

She was born September 29, 1995 in Mexico to Juan and Esmeralda Diaz Perez.   Karen graduated from Fort Atkinson High School, then graduated from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.  She worked at the Pabst Theatre in Milwaukee until it closed in 2020 due to Covid, and most recently at a Community Coalition center in Milwaukee.

Karen loved being outdoors, planting, hiking and being one with the earth, that is where she felt at home, nurtured and at peace.  She loved music, dancing and sharing that love of music with others. There was nothing that a dance party could not fix.  She was up on the latest brands and fashion. Karen did not play around when it came to fashion; she enjoyed shopping at thrift stores, most likely buying another crop top or simply making a fashion statement.

She was always trying to learn more, more about people, life and feelings.  She was a giver.  She spoke out loud for those who could not, this was seen with her work with Ayuda Mutua, Milwaukee the Anti Displacement Program that helps low-income homeowners with property tax relief.  She was very bright and tutored a few students during their virtual learning and was exceptionally good at helping the kids understand their work.  She stood with Black Lives, Trans Lives, Indigenous and People of Color

Karen was a caring and empathic soul.  She cared deeply for the community.  Her compassion for social justice and equality showed in all her efforts, from her work at the Riverwest Farmer’s Market, with EBT outreach volunteering at HER Wellness and other organizational work. She participated in many marches/protests and resources collections throughout the last year.

She loved her mother, father and brother more than anything in the world. “Famila” and the “family” she made in Milwaukee.

Karen is survived by her parents, Juan and Esmaralda Diaz Perez of Jefferson, brother Juan Diaz of Jefferson; uncle Marcos Perez of Beloit, WI; aunt Martha Ponce of Beloit, WI; uncle Marco Diaz of Fort Atkinson; maternal grandmother Glafira Cervantes and paternal grandfather Jesus Diaz as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

She is preceded by her maternal grandfather and paternal grandmother.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 1:00 p.m. on Friday April 30. 2021 at Mother of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Milwaukee with Father Reed presiding.  Visitation will be at the church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.

Please visit, www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com  to leave a condolence and share a memory.