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Karen Beaudoin

December 6, 2022
Portage, MI

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Beaudoin, Karen A. Portage, Michigan Karen Andree Beaudoin, age 77 of Portage, died at Rose Arbor Hospice Home on December 6, 2022. She was born on August 8, 1945, in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Franklin and Saralyn (Gaikema) Andree. Karen received her master's degree in library science from Western Michigan University. She began working at the Kalamazoo Public Library in 1966 and was a children's librarian. On May 24, 1974, she married the love of her life, John Beaudoin. Beloved wife, cherished mother, loving grandmother, kind librarian, caring friend. In her various roles, Karen was loved and she lit up the room with her gentle spirit and gorgeous smile. She and John had a love like no other. They were devoted to one another and an example of what marriage should be. They traveled extensively, in both the US and Canada as well as France for many years, enjoying each other's company along the way. As Alzheimer's began to limit what she could do, John took such loving care of her that she was not even aware that he was helping her. He did it so lovingly, willingly, and graciously. They still enjoyed daily outings together, even after her mobility diminished. Karen loved being a mother, both to her daughter Rachel and to John's children, Gemma, Jason, Peter, and Jamie. She was thrilled to be a grandmother, reading to her grandchildren, and knitting and crocheting beautiful blankets for them. As a librarian, Mrs. B, as she was affectionately known, told engaging stories, designed incredible themed storytimes, and helped countless children learn to love reading. Her friends remember the times playing cards, going out to dinner, and feeling cared about by Karen. Her family includes her husband, John Beaudoin; her children: Rachel (Chris) Flachs, Gemma (Steve) English, Jason (Amy) Beaudoin, Peter Beaudoin, and Jamie Beaudoin; her grandchildren: Theo, Charlotte, Alex, Bryson, Vivian, Joe, PJ, Paul, Lucas, Dylan; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Mary Vos, her brother Ken (Jean) Andree, and her grandson PJ Beaudoin. Friends may visit with her family on Friday, December 9, 2022, from 6:00-8:00 PM, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Burial & Cremation Services, 411 East Centre Avenue, Portage, MI 49002. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at 9:30 AM at the funeral home. In honor of the joy that it brought her, we are asking guests to wear clothes in the color turquoise (or any blue if they don't have turquoise) to the visitation and funeral. Donations in memory of Karen may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Please visit Karen's personalized online guestbook at www.langelands.com