Kara Funcik (Shughrou) Memorial and Fiona's Fund

Please join us as we grieve the loss of my sister, Kara Funcik. Kara passed away the morning of October 24th at home with family by her side. She was Keith's wife, Kim and Rick's daughter, and most proudly Fiona's mother.

In 2021, Kara and Keith spent Fiona's first Christmas in St. Louis. On the flight home to San Diego Kara displayed symptoms of brain swelling from what we would eventually learn was Grade 3 astrocytoma, an aggressive cancerous tumor in her right parietal lobe. The plane landed in Albuquerque where Kara was stabilized and eventually taken to Los Angeles for surgery. Keith and 10-month-old Fiona waited anxiously as hospital visitors were not allowed.

From that day forward Kara and Keith faced each day with incredible strength and resolve, making every difficult decision with their daughter first in their hearts. In the coming months our families came together in tremendous ways, all desperate to find a way to console an impossible pain.

Keith’s parents Nancy and Mike along with Brian, Sean, and Meg have always treated Kara like family and provided strength and guidance as Kara navigated this difficult journey.

Priorities shifted for everyone. A lot of sad conversations. A lot of beautiful conversations.

Kim and Rick took every opportunity to visit Southern California to support and spend quality time. We took trips, picked Fiona up from school, sat on the beach, trick or treated, threw a family reunion, went on walks, and took lots of photos.

(Fiona took this photo)

We also spent a lot of time doing nothing at home, often as a family, which we would have never done otherwise. While Kara and Keith lost all sense of normalcy and privacy, we were able to learn about one another and find new ways to come together as a family.

I never felt I understood my sister as well as some, but now I can proudly say that I know and love her. She never liked much attention and sometimes found it difficult to accept help. As her symptoms worsened, she became easily overwhelmed by conversation and attention and chose to focus her energy on staying present with Fiona. To those whose messages and gifts went unanswered, know that they never went unnoticed.

On hard days, of which there would be many, Fiona was her source of light. If she was at daycare, Kara was on her phone looking at pictures. While she endured surgery, radiation, and countless treatments for over 1,000 days, the hope of getting to spend more days with her daughter kept her going.

Many have asked how they can support during this time. We will plan gatherings in both California and Saint Louis, but likely not until after the New Year. In the meantime if you would like to contribute to this page, 100% of the proceeds will go to Keith and Fiona. While nothing will fill the hole left by Kara’s absence, I hope to afford Keith the time to be with his daughter as he finds the strength to move forward.

Right now it seems impossible to imagine a future without Kara. One day at a time we will grieve, remember, and celebrate our beloved friend as we begin to heal. I invite everyone to use this page to share memories and stories in hopes we can connect and learn more of the ways she touched the world.

With Love and Tears,

Sean

PS - For anyone wishing to communicate/donate outside of GoFundMe please press "Contact" below and I will share my personal contact.

(Kara and Fiona in September)