Karen Marie Wright

Karen Marie (Hemming) Wright, 80, of Naples, Florida, passed away January 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and dear friends. Karen was born to Alfred and Elsie Hemming in Detroit, Michigan, on May 22, 1944. She graduated from Saint Mary of Redford High School in Detroit and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Michigan State University.

In her younger years, Karen was a national champion sharpshooter and was featured on the cover of American Rifleman magazine in March of 1959. While raising four kids, she worked as a teacher for many years, before focusing on raising her family, which became her life’s joy. She was known for her beautiful smile, compassion, kindness, humility, humor, generosity and adventurous spirit. She was admired for her toughness; she never complained, even while defeating breast cancer. Her favorite word was ‘Hope’, which reflected her incredibly positive disposition. She was devoted to her family, and showered them with heartfelt meals, words of love, and thoughtful gifts, including, most importantly, the gift of her presence and light. She loved attending her grandchildren’s concerts, performances, sporting events, Grandparents’ Days and birthday celebrations. She made every day and every interaction special. She cherished her lifelong friends from Michigan, as well as her many wonderful friends in Florida.

Karen was married 58 years to her loving and devoted husband, William (Bill) Wright. They raised four children together in Michigan before retiring to Naples, Florida, in 1989. In retirement, they traveled the world, including each of the 7 continents. She was an incredible traveling partner and cherished the opportunity to see new places and meet new people. She made many friends in her journey of life, and everyone who met her recognized she was a special, kind, and wonderful person.

Karen is preceded by her precious daughter, Jill, who passed away on the same date (January 15) in 2017. She is survived by her high school sweetheart and loving husband, Bill, sons Bill (Carrie), David (Hannah), Jeff (Kara), brothers Bill (Lucy) Hemming, Carl (Chris) Hemming, nine grandchildren (Shannon, Ella, Brooke, Jake, Abby, Brendan, Will, Lily and Kelly), and extended family she loved so much.

A memorial service will be held at noon on March 1, 2025, at Saint Ann Catholic Church, 985 3rd Street South, Naples, FL 34102.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Matthew’s House at www.stmatthewshouse.org for the benefit of Jill’s Place, which is a cause that meant so much to Karen.