Karen Kaye Walsworth

Karen Kaye Walsworth, beloved wife, mother, Nana and great-grandmother completed her journey to heaven on Feb. 26, 2023
at age 77, just one week shy of her 78th birthday.

Karen is survived by her husband of 59 years, Gerald "Jerry"; son, Mark Allen (Patricia), daughter, Amanda Kaye (Bruce); grandchildren, Alexandra Kaye (Kyle), Anna Walsworth (Kenny), Zachary Gerald (Haleigh) and John Henry (Sarah) and much to her delight, had become a great-grandmother to two beautiful great-grandchildren in the past year, Lily Madeline and Beau Gerald.

Karen is also survived by her three sister-in-laws, Ruth Walsworth, Marian Slater and Judy Walsworth.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents Doris and Henry Klont. Her brother, Jerry Klont passed away shortly after she did on March 1st, 2023.

Karen grew up in Holton, Mich., and met the love of her life, Gerald, in Sunday school.

The two later married in Holton, on June 21, 1963, and embarked on a nearly 60 year long marriage filled with love, adventure and laughter.

When Jerry's work required the young family to move, Karen would be the one to pick out the house in which they would live. It was her attention to detail and creativity that made houses in Michigan, Iowa and Illinois into beautiful homes.
A hallmark of Karen and Jerry's homes were flower gardens, designed and carefully laid out in her image, which were enjoyed by family, friends and passerby's.

In addition to her love for her gardens was a love for birds, but especially the cardinals and orioles that frequented her backyards.
Traveling with her husband and her family was one of Karen's passions.

Karen and Jerry not only filled their passports with stamps from places such as Singapore and Hong Kong, but also enjoyed road trips, whether it be across state lines or across the Mackinac Bridge. Many memories were made on the road, no matter the destination.

But one location held an unmistakably treasured place in her heart: the Big Island of Hawaii.

It was there where Karen and Jerry spent their winters for many years and generously welcomed family to share a special place together.

The idyllic landscapes and vistas of Hawaii, along with the vibrant colors of the Pacific Ocean, became Karen and Jerry's home away from home. Whale watching and spending time with the friends they made on the island were highlights each year.

Above all, Karen simply adored her family. She was a loving mother to her two children and later became a doting Nana to her four grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Her love, care and generosity for her children and grandchildren knew no bounds.

Karen's family would like to thank the care providers at Bay Ridge Assisted Living and Hospice of Michigan for the compassionate love and care shown to Karen and us throughout this journey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Michigan.

A celebration of Karen's life will be held on March 18 at 12 p.m. at Church in the Hills in Bellaire. Visitation at the church will begin at 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service.The service will also be livestreamed at churchinthehills.org.

Arrangements are being handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

Sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com