Karen Reta Desnoyer

DesNoyer, Karen Reta

Of Jackson, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2024 with her husband at her side. Karen was born in Ingham County, Village of Stockbridge on September 8, 1945, the eldest child of Gladys Broesamle. Karen lived on the north side of Jackson in a small house without indoor plumbing until the age of eight. She moved to the east side and attended Pleasant Street school and East Intermediate before moving to Munith, her mother's roots, and became friends with Myrtle the telephone switchboard operator. She graduated from Stockbridge H.S. class of 1963. After graduation she worked for Aeroquip Corporation for nine years, finishing the remainder of her 40-year career at Consumers Energy as budget and administrative supervisor for Environmental and Technical Services. Karen graduated from Jackson Community College and Spring Arbor College "Magna Cum Laude" at the age of fifty-two.

Karen loved children, especially her grandchildren. She adopted her neighborhood children with love and never forgot to give gifts for special occasions. She read to children at Allen school for several years. She touched many lives with words of encouragement and thoughtful remembrances. Karen devoted a twenty-year period of her life to sharing her wisdom with many who suffered from emotional and relationship issues.

Karen is survived by David, her loving husband of twenty-nine years; son, Stephen (Katie) Hardwick from whom she was estranged but loved very much; Step-daughter, Jessica DesNoyer (Adam Sharkawy) of Concord, Massachusetts; Step-son, David (Andrea) DesNoyer of Northville; grandchildren, London and Charlie Hardwick, Gabby and Ava DesNoyer and Talia Sharkawy and grandchildren-in-law, Zane and Jenna Sharkawy; half-sister, Roberta Gabriel of Ludington; ten sisters-in-law, who were her sisters, and eleven brothers-in-law, Julie (Jim) Hoch, Conni Lutes (Ron DesNoyer), Claire (Steve) DesNoyer, Connie (Mike) Richardson, Betsy (Sean) DesNoyer, Mary (Jon) Huntoon, Terry (Gary) Grann, Kathy (Mike) Austin, Joe DesNoyer, Barbara (Dr. Tom) Stackhouse and Becky (Jason) Schomer; many, many nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews and special friends Joyce Hill, Sandy DeMay and Kathy Herman. Karen was preceded in death by her mother, her father and mother-in-law Jack and MaryAnn DesNoyer, who were married on the day of her birth, by many aunts, uncles and cousins and by her nephew Brandon DesNoyer.

Karen was a non-stop reader of self-help and spiritual literature and over the years gained much wisdom. Recently she enjoyed historical fiction. Karen enjoyed working in her gardens and travelling throughout the United States with her husband visiting many national parks and experiencing life in many cities large and small. LaQuinta in the California desert was her favorite place to visit. She and her husband visited forty-six state capitols and most presidential libraries. She thoroughly enjoyed shopping for clothes and "style" was her passion.  Karen was a member of St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, where she served on the Worship Commission, had served as an usher and a greeter and assisted the Amaranth Club. For many years she volunteered on her birthday for the parish festival honoring the birth of Mary, the Blessed Virgin, until her health prevented her from continuing.

Per her wishes she has been cremated and the Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church at 11:00 AM with Father Timothy Nelson officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Desnoyer Funeral Home on Thursday, September 26 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM with Scripture Service at 7:00 PM.  The family will also receive friends at St. Mary's from 10:00 to 11:00 AM on Friday, September 27.

Contributions may be made to St. Mary Star of the Sea School, onestopveteran.org or to any veterans' organization as Karen had a special place in her heart for those serving or had served.

Karen was deeply appreciative of all her healthcare angels whom she loved. Her family is especially grateful for the staff of hematology oncology and radiation oncology at Henry Ford Health. Her care over an extensive period was exceptional.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 134 Years