Penelope Ann "Penny" Karaba's Obituary
Penelope Ann “Penny” Karaba, age 82, passed away Friday, February 24, 2023 at Heartwood Lodge in Spring Lake, MI. She was born February 22, 1941 in Wayne, MI to George and Virginia (Monforton) Belvitch. On July 11, 1964, she married Albert M. Karaba at St. Mary’s in Wayne, MI and he survives her. Penny received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Nazareth College. She was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church where she was a substitute teacher for St. Francis Elementary School. She enjoyed her bridge group and volunteered at Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. She also enjoyed attending her kids and grandkids many activities. She loved to travel to Florida each year and enjoyed golfing – especially the course at her condo community. Survivors include her husband, Albert M. Karaba; 3 children, Albert G. (Megan) Karaba, Elizabeth (Eric) Hill, Matthew (Shannon) Karaba; 12 grandchildren, Allyson (Glen) Barker, Amanda (Gabriel) Strickler, Amelia (Jon) Knedgen, Margaret (Brody Scott) Karaba, Whitney Byard, TJ Byard, Jacob (Jill) Hill, Katherine (Ryan Heisser) Hill, Ricky Hill, Ellen Karaba, Meryl Karaba, Gabriel Karaba; 8 great-grandchildren; 1 brother, George (Kathryn) Belvitch; 1 sister, Ann (Michael) Nowicki; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, 1 brother, David Belvitch, and 1 sister, Marilyn Belvitch. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church (2929 McCracken Street, Norton Shores, MI 49441) with Rev. Mgsr. R. Louis Stasker presiding. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass on Wednesday. Entombment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Memorial Contributions can be made to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church or to the Harbor Hospice Foundation. Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to be serving the Karaba Family through The Lee Chapel, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Leave a memory of Penny on her tribute page at www.sytsemafh.com
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