Karen Elizabeth Magee, age 55, of Cheboygan passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at the Cheboygan Hospice House. She was born April 29, 1964 in Bremer Hauven, Germany, the daughter of Rolland and Willadora (Baird) Magee.

Karen graduated from Cheboygan High School in 1982 and Michigan State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. She earned her Master's Degree from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. She had taught English as a second language in Yemen, Mongolia, Taiwan, and China. After she returned to Cheboygan, she was a substitute teacher, and she taught at the Cheboygan High School, through North Central Michigan College. She served as the Director of the Indian River Public Library.

Karen enjoyed playing Bridge and Scrabble, making hand-made greeting cards, crafting, reading, cooking, gardening, animals, and traveling.

Survivors include her sister, Scarlett Magee Naftel, nephew, Aidan, niece, Leah, aunts, Betty Wright, Sharon (Rudy) Marculis and Judy (Ray) Corbin, Jean Baird, her uncle, Jim (Christine) Baird, many cousins, including the Preseau's, Baird's, Zulakis', Magee's, VanOtteran's, Houseman's, Archer's, Kovaleski's, etc. Her close friends, Kathy (Al) Carlson and their daughters, Amanda and Alaina (and family), Mary (Randall) Schmidt and their daughter, Rosie, Chris and Wen and their children, Mary Ann (Bud) Schoch, Alice (Roy) McFarland, Lola Ermisch , Elaine Smith, Kathy Gotts, and numerous other international, national, and local friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, Robert and Winnie Baird, Elmer and Lucille Magee, uncles, John, Bob and Boyd Baird, Martin "Bud" Wright, Charles "Bud", and Rodney Magee, aunts, Edwina and Nancy Baird, Marlene Bowersox, Marilyn and Sally Magee, cousins, Nicholas Zulakis, and Matt Magee.

Cremation has taken place and a graveside service to be held at Pine Hill Cemetery , will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in Karen's name may be directed to the Cheboygan County Humane Society, the Cheboygan Public Library, the Alzheimer's Association , or the Cheboygan County Historical Society. Those wishing to leave a condolence or share a memory of Karen are invited to do so at www.stonefuneralhomeinc.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Nordman-Christian Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Cheboygan Daily Tribune on Apr. 16, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Karen Magee

Sponsored by Nordman-Christian Funeral Home - Cheboygan.

7 Entries

May 5, 2020

karen is missed and will leave a hole in our lives---- she was creative, smart, pretty and a card shark----- all the best to scarlett and her family ---- will see you for the ceremony--- cousin becky magee kovaleski

Alice Macfarland

April 19, 2020

Karen was the best bestfriend! Loving, stimulating, intelligent, good-hearted, and fun. There is a hole in our hearts and lives without her.Roy and Alice

Greg Haywood

April 18, 2020

It's with great sorrow that I learn of Karen's passing, and can only reflect that she is now in a better place. She has battled this terrible disease far to long. One thing that will always stay with me is her ever lasting positive attitude during her bad times. My thoughts drift back to happier times during summer visits when She, Scarlett & I would spend time waterskiing, talking by the bonfire while lighting off fireworks & the daily afternoon swim. She will forever remain in my heart.

Barbara Reilly (Haywood)

April 17, 2020

We were all so sorry to hear of Karen's passing. I have years of memories growing up with her and Scarlett on Mullett Lake, swimming, fireworks, boat rides,all things you do when your young and not a care in the world. Her parents were dear friends of my parents and everyone on Long Pointe joined in for the fun. It will be difficult being there without her, but our memories will last forever, looking forward to seeing Scarlett this summer.

Judy Drielts

April 17, 2020

Scarlet,
So sorry to hear of this. My condolences.

Karen with cousin, Dean, in Sacramento, 2005.

Dean Baird

April 16, 2020

My cousin, Karen, was my age-mate. She was an independent spirit. Her quick wit could always make you laugh. Her family had a home and rental cottages on Mullett Lake, so ... fond memories growing up whenever we visited the Magees. Karen found her place in the Baird family continuum of teachers and lawyers as an English teacher. And she used that skill as a passport, and that passport took her around the world. A proud Spartan, she did her best to cover my Maize & Blue when she passed through Sacramento in 2005. The world is diminished with the loss of her spirit.

Rhonda Voelzke

April 15, 2020

Scarlett, I am so sorry to hear this!! Sending prayers for comfort..

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