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Our Lady of the Angels (OLA) School Fire, December 1, 1958




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Karen Ann Culp
Room Age Birthdate Grade B/G/T
212 10 5/21/48 5 Girl
Teacher
Sister Mary Clare Therese Champagne, BVM
Address
522 N Avers 
Family
Father: Robert Culp
Mother: Dorothy (Eiden) Culp
Sisters: Patricia and Susan Culp
Brother: Paul Culp
Grandparents: Mary Eiden and Sophie Culp 
About Karen
 
Interred: Queen of Heaven (Hillside, IL)
Memories of Karen
Karen, you were one of my classmates, and my friend. I will never forget you. Rest in peace my little Angel friend.
    -- (Joyce Peneschi, Friend)
Karen's older sister (I don't remember her name) use to babysit for me and my brothers on W. Ohio Street. I was in second grade at the time of the fire. I remember Karen being very energetic and athletic. There hasn't been a December 1 that I don't recall her. She hasn't been forgotten, and she will always be included in my prayers.
    -- (Steven M. Schwarz, Acquaintance)
Karen's name was the first one I heard after the tragedy was announced at my School. I went to Sacred Heart School on 70th & May in Chicago. We were each given the name of a student to pray for. I got Karen's name. That was 46 years ago. I pray for her still. Every day, I pass Queen of Heaven on my way home from work and always think of Karen and the other children and teachers who suffered so. I would like to know Karen's birthday. It would mean a lot to me to be able to remember her on her birthday, not on the day she left this world. Thank you and God Bless.
    -- (Carol Kubat)
Karen was the sister of my brother Jackie's good friend Paul. She will live in my heart forever.
    -- (Linda Powell Peek, Neighbor)
My family lived next door to Karen's family: our address was 518 N. Avers Ave. I have very clear memories of the OLA tragedy. My oldest brother went with some of the family to identify Karen's body. Paul's family was so distraught. He was going to spend the night with our family but was so upset and could not stop crying that he went home in the middle of the night. I was eight years old in July 1958 and still have the birthday card Karen made for me with construction paper. Also have the memory card from her funeral. I remember her as just a regular little girl who liked to play paper dolls and children's games like we all did back then. She was lots of fun but had a more serious side to her personality. She was very spiritual as a child and had me praying to saints even though I was not a Catholic.
    -- (Faye Nelson Von Loh, Neighbor & Friend)