Karen Sue Lumley (nee Gilbert and also Messinger and d'Abo) was born on December 8th 1946 in Greenville Michigan and died on April 1st 2024 in Zeeland Michigan.
She is survived by two sons Toby and Bruno, two grandchildren Primrose and Oscar, and her twin brother Jim and younger sister Marsha. She grew up in Battle Creek and traveled and lived in many parts of the world including in Bogota Colombia, San Francisco California, Taos New Mexico, the Cotswolds in England, Pinoso Spain, and Grand Rapids Michigan.
She studied art and art history in Hope College in Holland Michigan, The University of the Andes Colombia, and Bristol University in England. She was a passionate artist and craftswoman working in textiles, needlework, ceramics, photography, and collage at various stages of her life.
She developed a love of the Spanish language in high school and during an exchange program with Mexico. She loved Spanish speaking cultures and often worked as a translator. She suffered with dementia towards the end of her life and died peacefully of natural causes.
