Birth date: Mar 1, 1955 Death date: Feb 16, 2014
Karen Charlotte Hilarides, age 58, of Grand Haven passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2014 at home. She was born on March 1, 1955 in Grand Rapids to Roger, Sr. and Joan (Hunter) Hilarides. Karen was a 1973 graduate of Amos Alonzo Read Obituary
I just learned of Karen's passing by way of a note from David Thomas, and I wish to echo his sentiments. Karen, David and I worked together at Transamerica treasury--I valued her team spirit, fun sense of humor and, yes, her M&Ms. I extend my belated condolences to the family. (My posting of yesterday does not appear to have gone through--sorry for any double posting than may arise. )
To the Hilarides family - Today I thought of Karen, looked for her and was saddened to find her obituary. I worked with Karen in treasury at Transamerica Corp. in San Francisco in the 1990s. She was a wonderful coworker, always ready to chat and laugh. (She was also very bright and good at her job, but I remember better the fun parts.) I thoroughly enjoyed being with her. I remember how she used to visit her family in Michigan and bring back blueberries for all of us, "the best in the world".
My favorite story about Karen - She kept a huge glass jar of M&Ms on her desk, which kept a steady stream of visitors to her office for a quick pick-me-up. One year on Valentine's Day the jar was filled with red M&Ms, which was delightful. Then on St Patrick's Day, the jar was filled with green ones. I complimented her on her chocolate holiday relevance and wondered how she did it. She told me she bought a huge bag of Christmas M&Ms in a post-holiday clearance sale at Costco (a 25 pound bag?), then spent some evenings separating the red ones from the green ones. She swore me to secrecy as she didn't want anyone to think that was indicative of her social life. I guess it's okay to reveal it now. I thought her wondrously clever to think of it and bring some fun to an office which was going through some turbulent times.
I have fond memories of Karen. My belated condolences to her family and friends.
I was saddened to hear the news of Karen’s passing. She was a very nice person to know at Herman Miller.
Expressions of sympathy are extended to her family and friends during this loss.
To the Hilarides Family...my heart-felt sympathy to each of you. Karen was an amazing person and is deeply ingrained in many Port Sheldon memories. I am so sorry that she's no longer with us...the world's a bit less kind without her here.
To Aunt Joan, Sally, Will, Chip and your family,
So sorry about Karen. I remember her teaching me how to tat, crochet, etc. I always looked up to her as she achieved so much in life. She was so smart and talented--a true renaissance woman! I know you will miss her so much. My thoughts and prayers are with you. My deepest sympathies,
Karen Hoffman Norville
VADM Hilarides & Family,
My thoughs and prayers are with you and your family.
Joan........we extend to you our very deepest sympathy for your recent loss of Karen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely, John G.. And Claire Bryson.
My deepest sympathy goes out to Karen's family. I had the privilege of working with Karen at Herman Miller for several years. She was a great asset in our group. She always seemed to have the answer, especially when it came to technology. After Herman Miller, we still kept in touch and would meet at the McDonald's in Caledonia every couple of months. Always was fun to catch up with her. I know her family meant the world to her, especially her niece and nephews. She will be missed.
Lori Randall
I worked with Karen at Herman Miller. She was such an amazing person! She invited our whole team over for a potluck at her home one day and I remember eating out on her upper level deck. It was so hot that day but it sure was a fun time! She gave me once a whole box of stitching stuff to encourage me to stitch. I never did much with the box but what a kind hearted person she was to bring that for me and I didn't even ask for it - she did it out of the kindness of her heart! I remember her always talking about Robert. She was worried that Robert was eating right and that Robert needed a hobby. One day, having a religious discussion we were talking about how all sins are forgiven and she said that one day, when you stand before God, your book will be opened and He will see all but you will be welcomed in His arms. Well, Karen, your day has come, sad to say, but I have no doubt you are welcomed into His arms forever with gladness. My sympathy to the entire family. I am so blessed to have known Karen and will never forget her. Cindi DeMaat
To Joan and all of the family I send prayers, sympathy and great thankfulness that I was able to know Karen. She was full of life and energy and a bright light to all who knew her. She will be so very missed. Love and Blessings, Joanie Smith
