Karen Elizabeth Yelcich, 82, of McClendon Hills, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 18, 2025 ,at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, after a brief illness. She was born Feb. 24, 1943, in Fairmont, W. Va., to the late John Edward Nuzum and the late Elizabeth Zelnak Nuzum.
She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband of 64 years, Mathew Yelcich; her daughter, Kelly Jones (Kevin); and her grandson, Matthew Antonio Gomez, all of New Bern. She is also survived by her brother, John Edward Nuzum Jr. (Peggy); her cousin, Denise Bauman (Jim); and her beloved cats, Arthur
and Angel.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Eric Matthew Yelcich; and her beloved cat, Lu Lu.
Karen was a phenomenal wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She was a former president of the McClendon Hills Garden Club. She took great pride in cultivating her flower garden and keeping a meticulous lawn. She also enjoyed cooking and sharing meals with her family and friends.
Her working career was spent as a traveling beauty consultant with Christian Dior. She was an accomplished make-up artist.
A visitation was held Tuesday, April 22, at Boles Funeral Home, in Seven Lakes, with a service at 3 p.m. A private interment followed on Thursday, April 24, at Greenleaf Memorial Park in New Bern. Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com. Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Seven Lakes.