Karen Lee Parker

Karen Lee (Lyngstad) Parker passed away peacefully shortly after 10:30am on September 28, 2024 as a result of a brief but aggressive battle with cancer at Royal Oak Beaumont hospital. She was 69 years old.

Born in Virginia to Kirsten and LaVerne Lyngstad, Karen later moved to Portage, MI where she spent the majority of her childhood. After graduating from Portage Northern High School she met her soon to be husband, John Stephen Parker of Kalamazoo, and they quickly fell in love. Earlier this year they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 11th. Their love for each other was apparent and as strong as ever in recent years and weeks, in sickness and in health.

Karen is survived by husband John (age 72), two children, Kelly (age 46) and Matthew (age 41), two grandchildren, Jacob (age 10) and Helie (age 8), brother Kirk (age 65), and several nieces and nephews. She raised her children with love and devotion, to be strong-willed and good-natured, in Rochester Hills, MI.

She was a woman of many talents, most notably in the arts, where her creativity and eye for beauty knew no bounds. She was a very loving and patient person. However, her patience was often tested by John, Kelly, Matthew, Jacob and Helie, as well as the many children she took care of during the years of running an at-home daycare. Her kindness and gentleness were unmatched. She truly was a saint. Anyone close to her was better for having known her and for having had her in their life.

The family will have a private Celebration of Life gathering per Karen’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations to Angels of Hope can be made in Karen’s name (https://www.angelsofhope.org/).