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BORN
1952
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
Karen Carling Obituary
Sturgis, MI - Karen "Mickey" M. Carling, age 68, of Sturgis, MI passed away Monday, Feb. 1, 2021 at her home.
She was born May 21, 1952, in Sewickley, PA. The daughter to the late James and Evelyn (McCoy) Gilligan.
Karen has been a resident of Southwest Michigan most of her adult life moving here from Wireton, PA.
She received her Associate's Degree from KCC in Battle Creek and had been employed by the Veteran's Administration for over 25 years as a budget analyst in the I.T. Dept.
She was an avid Pittsburg Steelers fan, very proud of her Irish heritage, a person who enjoyed helping others, coordinating events, cooking, crafts, gardening, making others laugh, and always tried to bring happiness to others.
Surviving are one daughter: Casey Carling and fiancé Sam Nieves Lopez of Sturgis, MI; one son: Chris Carling of Australia; 5 grandchildren: Lilly, Ivy, Blair, Joaquin, and Isabela Michelle; 1 sister: Patricia (Neil) Blitz of Naples, FL; 1 brother: James R. (Paula) Gilligan of Planeview, TX; and 4 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 sisters: Donna Helmbold and Kim Cooper.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 10:00 - 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021 at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 404 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091. Memorial Mass celebrating the life of "Mickey" will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, immediately following visitation, at the church with the Rev. Father Andrew Raczkowski, celebrant.
Memorial donations in her memory may be directed to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamily funeralhomes.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Carling
Sponsored by Hackman Family Funeral Homes - Hackman Chapel Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes.
4 Entries
Antonio Townsend Sr.
March 21, 2021
I met Mickey the day I came to meet the CIO at the VA Hospital. I asked her how to say his name correctly and she looked at me and said that´s the 1st time anyone had done that...and that I would fit in well there. Mickey was introduced as the "Service Mom" and relished the role, she did anything needed to ensure the mission and kept the CIO somewhat sane. More importantly....she always made time to help, always having an ear, and kind words of advice. Thank you for introducing me to Boondock Saints, I´ll miss you Mickey. Rest well, you have earned it.
Bridgett Griffore
February 17, 2021
Mickey was definitely the life of a party. Being members of the VA Employee Association, we would go on trips together. Mickey loved sports & we used to go to the hockey games in Kalamazoo. I am glad to have had known her and called her my friend. Surely she is making joyful laughter in heaven now. You can rest now Mickey. Thank you for all the smiles. God Bless.
Nancy St Clair
February 15, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I am so sorry I couldn't drive down to Mickey's service. She was a wonderful friend to everyone she knew.
Hackman Family Funeral Homes
February 8, 2021
The Hackman Family and the entire staff extend to you our most heartfelt sympathy.
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Hackman Family Funeral Homes - Hackman Chapel114 S Nottawa St, Sturgis, MI 49091
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