Karen Fortin Obituary
Karen is survived by her daughters, Taylor (Bryce) and Erin (Alex), who will soon welcome her two cherished grandchildren-or in her words, "the two boys." She is also survived by her father Andy(Meredith) and siblings Renee and Keith. Karen was preceded in death by her mother, Janice and her husband, Jim.
Karen lived her life with her heart wide open. She loved deeply, laughed easily, and brought warmth and loyalty into every relationship she touched. To know Karen was to have a best friend, a confidant, and someone who showed up wholeheartedly. She found joy in time spent with family and friends, savoring good meals, browsing her favorite shops,relaxing with her beloved TV shows, and jamming to her favorite tunes. Her loved ones will always remember her generosity, her sense of humor, her dance moves and her unique cleaning habits.
In 2020, Karen was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer. She faced multiple years of treatment with courage, resilience, and an unwavering will to keep living the life she loved. Though grueling, her treatment allowed Karen to watch both of her daughters get married and start their journey into motherhood. Her strength carried her far, and now she rests in peace. Karen has now reunited with her husband, Jim, in heaven, together again after 27 years apart.
Karen's memory will live on in the countless lives she touched and in the love her family carries forward. She loved people more than things. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for your presence, love, and support as they gather to celebrate Karen's life.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate Karen's life with a visitation and service at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home 8459 Hall Road ( 3 Blks E. of Van Dyke) Utica on Friday, December 12, 2025 from 10am until time of service 12pm (Noon).
Following the service, Karen will be laid to rest next to her husband at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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David Hemmen
December 11, 2025
I did not know Karen personally but discussed her situation with her dad over the years, always hoping and praying that Karen would be cured. I lost a wife to cancer. It is hard but we still have the memories. Thoughts and prayers to Karen's family and friends.
Kristine Duby
December 10, 2025
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my very dear friend, Karen. She was truly a beautiful person, inside and out.
My journey with Karen started simply as neighbors, but quickly blossomed into a profound and cherished friendship. We shared so many awesome laughs and created wonderful memories that I will treasure forever.
Karen was a woman whose light shone brightly, largely fueled by her immense love for her daughters. "Her girls" were the absolute most important thing in her life, and she centered her world around their happiness and well-being.
Her great sense of humor was infectious, and her joy for life made every moment spent with her a gift.
She will be missed greatly by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Rest in peace, my dear friend.
Love You Forever, Kristine Duby
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8459 Hall Road, Utica, MI 48317
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