Karen Gerod, former owner of swim cafe, the popular West Town hangout, died July 7 following a courageous 16 month battle with colon cancer. Karen faced her disease with dignity and humor, always with a smile on her face. She leaves behind her loving sister and business partner Debra Gerod, her dog Sammy, and scores of close friends and grateful customers. She is preceeded in death by her parents Marilyn and Bernard Gerod.

Born in Chicago, IL on June 17, 1958, Karen spent her childhood in Deerfield, IL. She attended the Theater program at Carnegie Mellon University, leaving school to persue acting in New York City before returning to Chicago to join the cast of Wisdom Bridge's "A Street Car Named Desire" in 1982. Karen began pursuing different loves, studying interior design, working as a photo stylist, and creating wedding cakes. She opened Swim Cafe with her sister Debra in 2005. Swim quickly became a staple in West Town and a popular meeting place for a diverse mix of people, offering art exhibits, live music, storytelling, and scrabble nights. She supported many social causes, most notably Soup and Bread's community meal project.

Karen closed Swim Cafe at the end of 2013 to focus on her health. Karen will always be remembered for her vitality and wit, and the joy and comfort she brought to others around her. A celebration of Karen's life will be held on July 19, 2014 at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia starting at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, 4100 W. Ann Lurie Place, Chicago, IL 60632, (773)247-3663, www.chicagosfoodbank.org . For further information 312-421-0936.