Karen Marji Smith Lewis

Karen Marji Smith Lewis, 79, of Charlevoix, passed away February 1, 2016, at home with her sons at her side after a short illness. She was a Charlevoix native, as were her parents, and her husband, Jim, of fifty-one years. She and Jim were active in the Charlevoix Kiwanis Club, and the Charlevoix Historical Society. As the Historical Society's Museum Committee Chair, she was instrumental in Harsha House renovations, organized the Depot historical quilt exhibition, and developed the “Artists of the Past” program responsible for acquisition and preservation of local art. She coauthored many Historical Society books and organized some of the Society's most popular exhibits, for which she earned the Margaret Duerr Award in 2006, given to an outstanding individual who has advanced the preservation of history or enriched the quality of life in Northern Michigan. Her most recent project was a comprehensive history of Civil War Veterans in Charlevoix County. She delighted in exploring cemeteries throughout the county with her Wednesday lunch crew, searching for veterans' grave sites.

A tireless researcher, she balanced her duties as housewife by volunteering with Beta Sigma Phi, and as curator of the Pilgrim Haven Museum while living in South Haven. When she lived in Spring Arbor, she organized the “Arts Go To School” program at Ella Sharp Museum in Jackson. Along the way she wrote numerous informational and educational books on Native American culture and history and Michigan botany and geology. As an expert in Native basketry and art, she was a popular lecturer for adult organizations and school groups alike, dragging along hands-on materials and unique artifacts for the enjoyment and education of others.

Karen is survived by her sons, Terry Lewis of Charlevoix, Mike (Pat) Lewis of Palm Bay Fla., Jim Lewis of Stevensville, Andy (Kerry) Lewis of East Lansing; five grandchildren, Gordon, Gavin, Elizabeth, and Iain Lewis, Pam Laboda, and Shawn Boyer; two great grandchildren, Ethan Laboda and Aydra Lewis; one sister,

Georgie (James) Smith Raulerson of Boynton Beach, Fla.

Preceded in death by her husband, James G. Lewis and by her parents George and Marji Smith.

Celebration of life will be held June 19, 2016, in Charlevoix. Interment will take place at Brookside Cemetery in Charlevoix.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Charlevoix Historical Society,103 State Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720.