Name: Visitation for Karen Spencer Charlie
Start: 2020-08-07T15:00:00.000Z
End: 2020-08-07T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Palmer Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes - Lansing Chapel

Karen Spencer Charlie

Lansing, MI - Karen Spencer Charlie (Fabiano) went to be with the Lord on July 26, 2020 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born June 10, 1941 and was a lifelong Lansing Resident. She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Elaine Fabiano and brothers, Vic Fabiano and Jeff Fabiano. She is survived by her husband of 58 years Joe Charlie; children, Joe M. Charlie, Vic (Amy) Charlie, Lisa (Rick) Stafford; granddaughter, Kendall Stafford; siblings, Joe (Carol) Fabiano, Joan Fabiano and Steve Fabiano as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Karen graduated from Lansing Community College with an Associate's Degree. She loved helping others and worked for years at Peckham, Inc. as a job coach for people with various physical, cognitive or other challenges. Karen retired from Ingham Intermediate School District and worked for many years at Capital Area Michigan Works where wonderful friendships and memories were made. She enjoyed learning and obtained a Global Career Development Facilitator Certification and also a Human Services - Board Certified Practitioner Certification. Karen specialized in Career Services which included helping people with their resumes and perfecting their interview skills. She went above and beyond to assist people in finding their dream careers. Karen also established amazing relationships with many area employers to assist them in finding qualified candidates to fill their positions. After retiring, Karen enjoyed volunteering at Sparrow Hospital Cancer Center, St. Casimir Church and was also a Eucharistic Minister. Karen loved being a "Nana", shopping, yoga and spending time with family and friends. She loved to cook for her family and was known for her fabulous spaghetti and meatballs. Karen was known throughout the area for her outgoing personality, smile and willingness to strike up a conversation with anyone. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts. We would like to thank the wonderful nurses, caregivers and staff at Sparrow Hospice House for their loving and compassionate care.

The family may receive friends and relatives at a later date.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.palmerbush.com

Memorial Contributions may be made in her name to the Ingham County Animal Shelter Outreach Center or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in memory of Karen.

The family is being served by the Palmer, Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Home, Lansing Chapel.

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

Published by Lansing State Journal from Jul. 31 to Aug. 2, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Karen Charlie

Sponsored by Palmer Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes - Lansing Chapel Lansing Chapel.

9 Entries

John Daher

August 13, 2020

Karen always had a smile on her face and was always happy to see you. A loving, giving person. My deepest sympathies for your loss, Joe. Love you.

Carrie Zuidema

August 6, 2020

So sorry to hear of Karen's passing. I worked with her in the 80's at American Sunroof Co., she was the best mentor and co-worker. She spoke of her family all the time, you had her heart. The world has one less classy lady. Hugs to you all.

Jane Pratt

August 4, 2020

I met Karen at Silver Sneakers at the YMCA and always enjoyed her in class. My condolences and prayers to her family. She was a truly nice person who I'll miss.

Joe DeMarco

August 3, 2020

So sorry to hear about Karen's passing. We send our condolences and prayers to your family at this difficult time. It's been way too long since we've had time together Joe, but all our hunting trips to Iowa are some of my fondest memories I cherish. Sheila and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Joe DeMarco.

Melissa Sherry

August 2, 2020

I am so sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. She was so delightful and caring. I will miss her as will so many countless others at Sparrow who have been touched by her sharing and giving personality.

Dee Dee Webb

July 29, 2020

Mrs. Charlie was a neighborhood Mom. I remember her well.
Very sorry for your loss.
Dee-Dee (Garcia) Webb

Philip and Leslie Mitchell

July 28, 2020

We will miss Karen. She was a wonderful neighbor.
Our condolences Joe and to your family.

Marci Braman

July 28, 2020

My heartfelt sympathies to the Charlie family and all who loved Karen. She was a sweet, wonderful, life-giving friend. She will be missed. I met Karen when she worked with Penny Swiger and Elayne Schroeder in the late 1980's. There hasn't been a time when Karen didn't speak to me. She has always been a light in my life. I looked forward to our conversations since she gave you her undivided attention. She always talked about her family with love in her heart. Her granddaughter, Kendall, is/was her pure light of love and joy. May she rest in peace in the arms of the Lord. I will miss her.

Lisa Ayotte

July 28, 2020

Our sympathies to the Charlie family. We were privileged to know Karen, she was such a wonderful and joyful lady. She was proud of her family and a dear friend to many. Karen always had a smile and we loved the stories she would tell, such a great sense of humor. Karen joined us a few years ago for a ladies night out dinner, what a treat to be able to spend time with her that evening.

She will be deeply missed,

Love, the Ayotte’s

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results