Karen Sue Byram

Karen Sue Byram, age 63, died Sunday, July 29, 2018 at her home in Eastpointe. Karen was born January 27, 1955 at Bon Secour Hospital in Detroit to the late John A. and the late Gladys M. (nee: Browe) Freedman.Born in Detroit, but ultimately raised in Roseville, that is where Karen lived out her childhood, attended the city's public schools, which culminated in her graduating from Carl Brablech High School's, Class of 1973. In 1977, while attending to her babysitting duties, Karen's destiny took a turn towards the romantic when she met the man who would become her husband, Doug Byram. The two lovebirds enjoyed the next few months building upon their relationship,…growing deeper in love each day,…and eventually sharing those iconic two words, "I Do" as they were joined together in marriage. The newlyweds would become comfortable partners who were blessed to share 40 wonderful years together, until Karen's passing.Along with being the consummate wife, mom and homemaker, Karen also extended herself outside of the house as an employee with the automotive supplier, Ancor, a working relationship she held for over 31 years until having to retire this past April for health reasons. She always worked the midnight shift and loved it,…almost as much as she loved her fellow workmates. In the span of three decades, Karen was blessed to have shared much more than merely a job at Ancor,…but the joy of friendship as well. As for time away from the job, one of Karen's favorite pastimes was visiting the casinos and giving Ol' Lady Luck a run for her money. Not only for the infamous sights and sounds that accompanied the casino experience, Karen also garnered great anticipation with each visit in the hopes of "hittin' it big" so she could enjoy one of her other favorite pastimes,…shopping. That's right,…inside this hard-working, compassionate soul of a woman lie the heart and spirit of a Shopping Maven who was forever in search of a great deal. Karen could hang with the best of them when it came to the shopping circuit,…tireless in her energy level and rife with the great deals she scored.Yet, perhaps one of her most treasured pastimes was enjoyed in the Summers spent at the cottage up in Caseville, on the western coast of Michigan's Thumb. Though it wasn't owned by the family, Karen & Co, were lucky and blessed to rent the same cottage each year,…sort of making it their own, right? She and her loved ones enjoyed a plethora of pleasures with each visit and managed to come away with a host of precious memories each time. Spending time with family reigned supreme for Karen. It didn't really matter what the occasion, what they were doing or why,…all that mattered is that they were together and memories were being made. Karen was truly the "Rock" of the family who held it all together. She was the family caregiver, the nurturer & gatherer, and was extremely involved in the lives of both her children and grandchildren. Their most fervent banner waver and strongest support network, Karen was definitely their most sincere and dynamic cheerleader in life. She treasured each event attended and was most proud of each of their efforts. Karen loved the color purple, the beauty and splendor of butterflies, and the magic of Christmas,…especially when her grandchildren presented her with one of their handmade crafts. Yet Karen will quite profoundly be remembered for the awesome and incredible parties she hosted each year for St. Patrick's Day. At that special time of year when everyone is Irish and everybody's beer is green, you could count on Karen's place for being Holiday Central. It obviously was her favorite time of year, and she always went above & beyond in helping to make it memorable and special for each attendee as well. By the end of the party, everyone was ready to kiss the Blarney Stone.Karen was noted for her spirit of generosity and would go without if it meant providing for others. Always reaching out in her own unselfish way, she touched a multitude of hearts and souls with the compassion of a saint. She never talked down to anyone, never judged her fellow man, and most notably,…never complained as her health declined. Even through the pain, Karen was an amazing inspiration to all and certainly set an example of class and dignity. She will be lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her, and embraced with each reflection shared. Karen will be missed immensely and loved eternally. Karen was the beloved wife of Douglas, with whom she shared 40 wonderful years. Loving mother of John "Chad" (Carmel) Byram, Jaclyn (Chris) Hall, Patrick Byram, Douglas (Jennifer) Byram II and Anthony Byram. Cherished grandmother of 12. Dear sister of Dan (Raylene) Freedman and Debra Norton. Visitation for Karen will be held Thursday, August 2nd from 5-9 pm and Friday, August 3rd from 2-9 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile Rd.) in Warren. Her Funeral Service will be conducted on Saturday, 11:00 am at the funeral home. Please share memories at Karen's guestbook above.