"Dear Jim, so sorry to hear about Karen's passing. I rented from you in 2013 with two other girls. I hope things are getting easier for you its not easy losing a loved one. I recently lost my dad. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. - Heather Now"
In loving memory of
KAREN LOREE DeYOUNG
June 12, 1956 - October 17, 2015
Karen Loree DeYoung, 59, of Little Lake, died unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, October 17, 2015. Karen was a loving wife and mother, and an adoring grandmother. She was revered and respected by many friends and family members for her quick wit, deep wisdom, and steady faith.
She was born June 12, 1956 in Lansing, the daughter of Lewis and Wanda (White) Eberhart, and was a 1974 graduate of Morrice High School. Karen married James L. DeYoung in Charlotte, Michigan, on September 4, 1982. Karen worked in several jobs, including seven years at Oldsmobile, before she and Jim moved to the Upper Peninsula with two young daughters in early 1988. She later worked as an office manager for Century 21 and Anderson and Associates Law Office.
Karen was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Gwinn, serving as the religious education director and teaching catechism for many years. She served as a board member for Upper Great Lakes Family Health, was a Girl Scout Leader and volunteer for the Hiawatha Music Festival working as a monitor in the children and teen area for more than 20 years. Karen loved spending time sewing, knitting, and enjoying her children, grandchildren and pets.
She is survived by her husband, Jim DeYoung of Little Lake; daughters, Jessica Lucius of Gwinn, Nicole (Joe) Christianson of Hastings, MN, and Clara (Darien Clark) DeYoung of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Noah and Wanda Lucius; brothers, David (Vicki) Eberhart of Laingsburg, MI, Rick (Dee) Eberhart of Ogema, WI and Kevin Eberhart of Perry, MI; uncle, Dean (Sandy) White of Lake, MI; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and infant son, James Lewis DeYoung in 1983.
Friends may call at the Canale-Gwinn Funeral Home from 4-7 p.m. Friday, October 23, 2015. A parish prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the funeral home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2015 in St. Anthony Catholic Church, 280 North Boulder Street, Gwinn MI, with the Rev. Allen Mott officiating. Interment will take place in the Gwinn Cemetery.
Because Karen's family is grateful for the research and medical knowledge that improved the quality of Karen's life, they ask that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Karen's obituary may also be viewed at canalefuneral.com where memories may be shared.
Tributes
"Dear Jim & Family We are so sorry to hear of Karen's passing. Although we did know her very well you certainly could tell what a gentle soul she was and that she cared for her family very much as w ell as anyone she came to know. Please know our thoughts and prayers go out to you all."
"Jim& Family, I am so sorry to hear about Karen. We lost touch years ago but she was the best friend I ever had! Even though I have not talked to u in years all of u have been in my thoughts & prayers. My love goes out to all of the family."
"Jessica, Nicole, Clara, Jim, So sorry to hear of your loss. Karen was a beautiful person, who raised three beautiful daughters. I am so glad that I got know her and you girls, through volunteering at the schools PTO and POPCORN FRIDAYS. And will always remember her that way. Sending Prayers for your strength in this time of sorrow, may Gods Blessing be on you."
"I have so many fond memories of time spent with your family! I still tell the story of the weekend after my 16th birthday when we all spent the day making soup at St. Anthony's and as they drove me home they convinced me that we were stopping at the town hall for a party of a family friend of theirs that I didn't know. Karen was the most convincing of the bunch. And I was completely shocked to walk in and find all my family and friends throwing me a surprise birthday party. I'm so glad that all of you could be such a special part of so many special events in my life! My thoughts and prayers are with you!"
"Jim and family, How can I tell you how sorry I am to hear of Karen's death? You already know what a wonderful, beautiful soul she was and how she will be missed by everyone who knew her, but most of all you. Karen has been special to me since I helped her with the little ones in church. Even though I didn't see her often, my heart lit up every time I did. I love you and send you my thoughts and prayers for strength in this difficult time. Take care of each other as she would have taken care of you and hold onto your faith that she is in a better place now. Love, Anne"
"Girl Scouts wish to express condolences to your family in memory of Karen's dedicated service to Girl Scouts. Her selfless investment lives on in those whose lives she touched. We hope you find comfort in remembering her good deeds and spirit of mentoring. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. From the Marquette Girl Scout Center staff and volunteers of Girl Scouts of the NW Great Lakes."
"I am so sorry for your lost. Karen was a wonderful person and always had a smile for you. My thoughts and prayers for you all"
"Jim, So sorry to hear about Karen's passing. I thought of you often through your trials and tribulations. Though I may not have reached out to you, for which I apologize, you and Karen were often in my prayers. May God carry you through this journey with strength. You and Karen always seemed to be so in sync with one another, a true blessing. Please, gives the children my condolences and know that you will be, still, in my prayers! God has blessed you and is with you now! Sincerely, Sharon Logan"
"Karen, I will miss you. Our long talks on the phone until our ears hurt. I always thought of you as one of my daughters, all of whom I love dearly. You will be in my heart always. Love you forever. Mom."
"Karen i will miss seeing you and talking to you . you were like another sister to me , Sadie will miss you too. Love Sister. Sandy"