Karen Kondis Clemons

April 10, 1951 - August 29, 2023

Karen Clemons passed away August 29, 2023, following a lengthy illness. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Mark Clemons of Rochester Hills, Michigan, and her son Andrew Clemons and daughter-in-law Emily Swanson of St. Louis, Missouri.

Karen was born April 10, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan. She was the only child of Eugene “Pete” Kondis and Betty Jane Kondis. She was raised in Bloomfield, Michigan and attended Andover High School where she and Mark met over lunch at the school store and almost instantly became lifelong sweethearts. An honor roll student, Karen attended Michigan State University where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and graduated with a degree in Political Science. Karen remained a diehard Spartan and her autumn weekends were usually adorned in green and white.

Karen and Mark married in 1973. The young couple struck out on a journey that would take them to San Francisco, California; Greensboro, North Carolina; and Annapolis, Maryland where their only child Andrew was born in 1981. The family later moved to Denver, Colorado; Charlotte, North Carolina; and finally returned to Michigan, settling in Rochester Hills in 1989.

In 1999, Karen’s beloved parents Pete and Betty joined Karen, Mark, and Andrew in Rochester Hills. The reunited family spent many happy years traveling, socializing, and building memories before Pete and Betty passed, both aged 96, in 2020.

Karen had a rare affinity with numbers and abiding interests in history and politics which she nurtured her whole life. She was an avid reader, particularly of non-fiction, and her books would quickly fill shelves upon shelves in every space she inhabited. She had a passion for American folk art and a flair for design and decor.

Above all, Karen was a loving and devoted friend. In every place she and Mark called home, Karen formed lasting and deep bonds with friends she would keep for life - friends she truly saw for who they were; friends she truly loved.

Her family is heartbroken but know they are not alone in their loss and grief. They have taken immense comfort in the outpouring of support from friends and family. A private celebration of Karen’s life will be held in Rochester, MI at a later date.

Those that love Karen already know how deeply she connected with her Christian faith and how much happiness her rescued pets (Petula, Michael, Janet, Gabby, and Daisy) afforded her throughout her joyful life. As such, we encourage those who wish to honor Karen to make a contribution to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church (Rochester, MI) or Adopt-A-Pet, Inc. (Fenton, MI).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pixleyfh.com for the Clemons family.