Karen J. Spira's Obituary
Karen J. Spira, age 83, passed away Monday, April 10, 2023. She was born on September 9, 1939 in Muskegon to John and Lois (Sherman) Hozer.
Karen attended school at Muskegon Heights and met Richard “Dick” Spira while still in grade school at the local roller-skating rink and dated through high school, then married on October 26, 1957. They lived in Muskegon until 1971 when they moved their family to Whitehall.
Spending time with and caring for her family, Karen was a devoted wife and mother. Tending to her flower garden was one of Karen’s favorite things to do. As the family expanded to include grandchildren, she loved to cater to them and made each one feel special, she loved them all dearly, always being sure to have specially cut fruits, baked goods and ice cream for them upon their visits, she loved watching them enjoy the water in their backyard pool.
Karen retired from MasterTag in Montague, MI and the couple moved to Bullhead City, Arizona in 2000. Karen and Dick celebrated 44 years of marriage and were excited to retire in the Arizona climate. Karen loved the warmth and relief the heat gave to her arthritis and decided to stay in Arizona following Dick’s passing, visiting annually during the hottest summer months Michigan offered, Karen enjoyed time with her family. She continued to enjoy swimming in the community pool and became active in her retired community with her new friends in Arizona. Karen loved her church in Bullhead City where she was always eager to help with luncheons and loved the fellowship of the bible study groups. She also enjoyed sewing, knitting, painting and drawing as well as the challenges of desert gardening. She loved having her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren visit her at her home in Arizona. She moved back to Michigan to reside with her son, David (Sherri) Spira when her health became complicated with Dementia and early Alzheimer’s in 2018. She will always be remembered for her sweet smile and welcoming spirit, she was truly loving and always kind.
SURVIVORS include three children, Debra (Darin Shoesmith) Spira, David (Sherri) Spira, and Dennis Spira; 11 grandchildren, Richard (Darcie) Jackson, Christopher (Karam) Jackson, Steven (Diane) Frazine, Tiffany (Wesley) Hiltner; Derrek, Stephanie, and Samantha Spira; Denny, Justin (Savannah), Nate, and Nick Spira; 15 great grandchildren; two sisters, Kathryn Hammond, and Susan (John) Rohlicek; brothers and sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews.
Karen was preceded in death by parents; Lois and Lewis Laskoski; husband Richard “Dick” Spira; a grandson, Ryan Spira; brother, Daniel Laskoski, brothers and sisters-in-law; Ken & Mary Spira, Fritz & Marva Spira, William Spira, Jim Hammond.
A Celebration of Life for Karen will be held at 11:00am Saturday, May 27, 2023 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100. Visitation with the family will be 1 hour prior to the service, from 10-11:00am. Share memories with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com.
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