Kari Choi (Monaghan) Illian

It was Kari’s wish that in lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center in memory of Kari to support cancer research and patients. Please make the donations (gifts) in honor and in memory of Kari Choi Illian.

Kari Choi (Monaghan) Illian, age 51, of Woodstock, Illinois passed away on the morning of June 20, 2022 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL due to colon cancer complications. She was surrounded by her loved ones. Kari was born July 10, 1970 in Seoul, Korea and was raised by Larry Monaghan and Marlene (Luczak) Monaghan. She is survived by her parents; husband Jeffrey; two children Cobi and Sabrina; son-in-law Ryan; granddaughter on the way; brother Marty; in-laws Howard and Jeanie; family dogs Chip and Charlie, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Kari was known for making beautiful things through crafting, painting, sewing, drawing, gardening, and home renovations. She was also a foodie with a passion for cooking and baking, where the only recipe she needed was her taste buds. Her creativity did not stop at cooking and crafting; she enjoyed doing hair, makeup, and nails. Another one of her passions was shopping for things that she knew would make others smile. Kari had a contagious sense of humor, and she was always quick with a comeback. One of the many ways she bonded with friends and family was through video games, often playing until the early hours of the morning. As caring and compassionate as Kari was, she was also very competitive. She loved to play sports, board games, and cards with her family, and she consistently won.

Kari will always be remembered for her selflessness and love of family. She was extremely intelligent and had enough common sense for the whole family. Kari was often described as everyone’s second mother, where she made everyone feel at home, accepted, safe, and loved. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and friend, and may she continue living in the hearts of those she touched.