Karen J. Reed

REED, KAREN J. Muskegon Karen passed away surrounded by some of her closest friends on November 18 after a hard fought battle with cancer. During her illness she was a real trooper, showing a tough side of her that no one could have ever imagined. Karen Jean was born on March 9, 1942, to Richard and Allene Reed in St. Joseph, Missouri. She moved with her parents to Muskegon at a very young age and resided here ever since. She attended Muskegon Public Schools and obtained her Bachelors and Masters degrees at Western Michigan University. Karen was married while in college in the early 60s until 1981. Her parents moved back to Missouri after their retirement and resided in Kansas City where Karen spent most of her summers and vacations. She continued to visit there and became a loyal Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan. Karen was a woman of high energy. After her retirement from being an elementary teacher for Muskegon Public Schools McLaughlin, Bunker, Bluffton, and Nims, she went on to continue teaching at Muskegon Community Colleges Success Center. She also was a realtor for Vollmer Realtors, and a sales representative for Witt Business Forms. Karen, fondly nicknamed Muffin by her dearest friends, was outstanding in every area of her life. She had a zest for life that was contagious, thus drew in multitudes of friends. She was extremely proud of her Irish heritage and had always been described as happy, cheerful, positive, fun-loving, trustworthy, intelligent, caring, giving, and especially, a wonderful and accomplished teacher. Karen was an active person all of her life and had a diversity of interests. She loved to travel, read, dance, play blackjack, walk her dog, do yoga, play golf, and primarily be with her friends. She obtained her lifetime goal at the age of 60 with a trip to Ireland. She was member of St. Pauls Episcopal Church and its choir, Delta Kappa Gamma an organization of outstanding educators, West Michigan Association of Realtors, Muskegon Irish-American Society, and was on the board of directors of the Beachwood/Bluffton Neighborhood Association. Karen was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her aunt, Helen Jean Elsbury and two cousins of Kansas City. Her primary survivors are her zillions of friends and acquaintances, the closest being Bonnie Witt, Ed & Edie Kessler, Cheryl Huttenga, Peggy Rozycki, Chris Kelly, Viki Hosko, and Nancy Forbis of Kansas City. She is also survived by her godchildren, Amy Witt/Kisosondi and Eric Witt, and her dear pets, Biscuit and Vegas. Special thanks go out to those people and places that were exceptionally helpful and nurturing to Karen during her extended illness. These include Dr. Katrina Olsen and the Bear Creek Health Center staff, the University of Michigan Endocrinology Clinic and Hospital, Heartland Health Care Center of Ann Arbor, Hackley Hospitals North 5 Staff, Hackley Cancer Centers Radiation Department, Father Joe Ashby of St. Pauls, and her wonderful caregiver, Shirley Huston. In addition, thanks to the many friends who provided Muffin with meals, rides, visits both in Muskegon and Ann Arbor, and especially their love and caring. Karen will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. MEMORIAL SERVICE A memorial service will be held at St. Pauls Episcopal, Third Street, Muskegon, on Wednesday, November 30, at 4:00 pm. An Irish celebration of Karens life will be held after the service at Hagars Hideaway, 3156 Lakeshore Drive from 5-8. MEMORIAL: Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Delta Kappa Gamma Education Fund. Envelopes will be available at the church and at the celebration. CLOCK - Muskegon