Karen Lou O'Dell

Karen Lou O'Dell passed away on July 27, 2023 in Troy, Michigan. She was born on June 27, 1944 in Highland Park. Karen later attended and graduated from Ferndale High School, where she met the love of her life, Henry Walter O'Dell. The high school sweethearts married on August 4, 1962 at St. James Church in Ferndale, enjoying a fulfilling 61 years of marriage.
Karen had a long and satisfying 20 year career as a Court Clerk in the city of Royal Oak. But her priority was her family. She was devoted to them and loved them dearly, and the feeling was mutual.
Karen loved life, and she enjoyed a variety of activities, including dancing, music and playing solitaire. She was sometimes lovingly known as Care Bear Karen. Her favorite places to travel and take many great vacations were Traverse City and St.Ignace.
Karen leaves many to mourn her passing and to celebrate her life. Her husband Henry survives her, as do her sons Marc O'Dell and Tim O'Dell. Her two grandchildren, Donovan and Delaney O'Dell, will remember their grandmother with fondness. Karen's sister, Margo (Paul) Gualdoni and her dear friend from Kindergarten, Madelynne Cudney, were blessed to have known Karen.
Karen is predeceased by her parents, John Piana and her mother, Lucille, her infant son Michael O'Dell, and her siblings Donald (Anita) Richards, Janice (Franklin) Pearcy, Gerald "Buddy" (Judith) Richards and James (Mary) Richards. Karen also leaves behind many nieces and nephews she loved very much.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, August 18, 2023 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, with a family led Sharing of Memories at 11:00 AM at Gramer Funeral Home, 705 North Main Street in Clawson. For ease of entry and handicapped accessibility, please use the north entrance to the funeral home, under the portico.