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Karen DeShaw Obituary
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Kawkawlin, Michigan
Karen Jean (Leach) DeShaw, 68, of Kawkawlin, MI, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, May 1, 2025. She was born March 11, 1957 in Detroit, MI, to the late Elmer & Anne (Kummer) Leach. Karen held various positions in her career, but the most notable ones include working with the family business- Pierce Beauty and Barber Supply, McAlear Sawden Elementary School, and being a deeply caring and supportive mother. Karen, often known as Kare Bear or KJ, will be remembered for her kind, caring, loving nature, her playful sense of humor, and her gracious generosity- she would give the shirt off her back.
She delighted in spending her time up North with her family, particularly at her childhood cabin on Houghton Lake. She found joy in life in many ways, but her special interests include music, road trips, family gatherings, playing cards, attending concerts, collecting miniature knick knacks, being with her dog Koby, but most of all- spending time with her family and loved ones. She is and will forever be, someone who brings a smile to your face and laughter to your ears.
Karen is survived by her four children: Kyle (Anne) DeShaw, Kendra (Tim) Klemm, Kori (Alek) Poirier, and Kayla (Jacob) Wood; Her 10 beautiful grandchildren that were the light of her life that she loved more than they could ever imagine: Kenton (15), Koven (11), Kain (8), Jae (11), Rylan (4), Emeric (7), Renna (5), Maren (10mo.), Silas (8) and Levi (6); Beloved friend and ex-husband Kenneth DeShaw; and siblings Michael Leach, Cindy (Leach) Tosspon, and Dan (Barb) Leach. She also leaves behind many dear nieces and nephews: Dina (Doug) Borchardt, Dayna Durantini (Andrew Huska), Tanya (Brian) Line, Branda (Nathan) Smith, Danielle (Jesse) Pharis, David (Katie) Leach, Lauren (Kyle) Arquette, Dean DeShaw, Lindsay and Brooke Wilner, and James (Katherine) DeShaw. She is preceded in death by her mother Anne (Kummer) Leach, father Elmer Leach, sister Kathe (Leach) Leffring, brother David Leach, mother & father-in-law Herman & Lillian DeShaw, Aunt Dee Brown, and nephew Derek Durantini.
A Visitation will take place from 3-7p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025 at Rivertown Funeral Chapel
(209 S. Huron Road, Kawkawlin, MI 48631). Funeral service to follow at 7p.m. with Pastor Phillip Baerwolf presiding.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Karen, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Maryagnes Van Klaveren
May 10, 2025
My dear cousin, Karen the "baby of the bunch". I am very sad that I am out of the state and couldn't attend. She was such a caring person along with her sense of humor, so much fun. We had great telephone conversations about the old days. She will be so missed. Rest in Peace, dear one.
Joy and Jill
May 9, 2025
What a wonderful caring and kind person she will be missed Thoughts and prayers go out to the family Rest in peace buddy!
Meripat Spalding
May 9, 2025
I have the best memories of being w Karen and her sibs in grade school and high school . She was a wonderful person and will always be remembered in my heart . We got in lots of good trouble and had a blast . Much love to you especially as thou face the loss of a wonderful sister ... sincerely , Meripat Spalding
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Patrice Russell
May 5, 2025
Detroit Friends Forever: Karen, Anne, Patty, Patrice
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209 S. Huron Road P.O. #505, Kawkawlin, MI 48631
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