Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Karen Spencer Obituary
Karen Spencer
February 28, 1956-September 10, 2023
Karen Spencer, 67, of Michigan City, Indiana, passed away Sunday, September 10, 2023 at Franciscan Hospital in Michigan City, IN.
She was born February 28, 1956 in La Porte, Indiana, the daughter of Edward L Borkowski Sr. and Gail (Skinner) Borkowski.
On July 4, 2009, in La Porte, IN, she married Gary Lee Spencer, who survives.
She is also survived by her sons, Jason West of La Porte, IN, Brad (Amanda) West of La Porte, IN; step-sons, Gary Spencer, Jr., Kevin Spencer; brothers, David (Denise) Borkowski of La Porte, IN, Edward (Linda) Borkowski of La Porte, IN, Keven "Dude" Borkowski of La Porte, IN, Derek (Casie) Borkowski of Mill Creek, IN; five grandchildren, Taylor West, Ryan Schmiedeknecht, Jr., Landon West, Argyll West, Michael Moran and several nieces and nephews.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Erika West; sister, Karla Spencer.
A lifelong resident of the area, Karen graduated from La Porte High School, class of 1974. She was a retired hotel housekeeper who was also a wonderful homemaker. Her creativity knew no bounds and she decorated a lot of weddings, birthdays, and graduations for friends and family. Karen had a strong spirit and a fantastic sense of humor. She was an excellent baker and cook, everyone especially loved her tater tot casserole. She was often outside doing yard work and there were flowers everywhere, along with her wonderful yard decorations. A dog lover, Karen currently had 8 adopted dogs that adored her: Cuddles, Squeaker, Izzy, Buddy, Honey Bun, Baby Boy, Punkie and Daisy Mae. Her grandchildren, though, were her special joy and she will be greatly missed by them all.
Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., LaPorte, IN where the family will receive friends for a viewing on Friday, September 15, 2023 from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Cremation will take place and her cremated remains will be interred at Oak Grove Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the La Porte Small Animal Center and the Jane Bernard Animal Adoption Center, 2855 IN-2, La Porte, IN 46350.
Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
602 Maple Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350
People and places connected with Karen
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Spencer
Sponsored by Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
Tell your own story about Karen
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Make a Donation
in Karen Spencer's name
How to support Karen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Karen Spencer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more