Karen J. Ali

Karen J. Ali, 62, of Indianapolis, passed away on April 19, 2024, following a prolonged illness. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

Karen was born to Bernard and Jeannette Scherer on September 12, 1961, in Lafayette, IN. She was the youngest of six children and had a profound, enduring bond with her mother. Karen had a strong work ethic in all areas of life, including her career in insurance sales. Always one to stay busy, Karen loved running, reading, and spending hours outside gardening—usually accompanied by her dogs.

Above all, Karen was beloved by her friends and family for her warmth, liveliness, and ability to find friends everywhere she went. She had a giving heart, which is evident in how she befriended and helped those in need. She was proud of her children and valued the opportunity to see them grow. She read and discussed books with her younger daughter and watched her younger son play football. In later years, she was grateful to be an active part of her grandchildren’s lives, reading and playing games. Despite struggling with multiple chronic health conditions, Karen’s light never dimmed. She continued to laugh, tease her husband, and enjoy long conversations with loved ones and new friends alike.

Karen is survived by her husband of nearly 20 years, Syed Ali; her children, Teresa Kozma, Jamie Hamelman, Yasmine Ali-Pitts, and Adam Ali; grandchildren, Eden Kozma, Ava Hamelman, Elliot Kozma, Leo Hamelman, and Blair Ali-Pitts; dogs, Buck and Barney; and siblings, Ronald Scherer, Myra Calvert, Linda Jackson, and Patricia Puetz. She was preceded in death by her brother, Donald Scherer.

Viewing will be held on Friday, April 26, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Funeral Home, 11411 North Michigan Road, Zionsville, IN 46077.

A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again. -Maya Angelou.