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Karen Simonds

March 28, 1953 - December 30, 2017
Portage, MI

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Age 64, passed away on December 30, 2017 at Rose Arbor. Karen was born March 28, 1953, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Robert and Nancy (Nederhoed) Simonds. She was a graduate of Portage Central High School and attended KVCC. Karen has had to struggle with medical issues most of her life a traumatic brain injury as a young teen due to a tragic accident, and then MS. She never complained and found joy in things that most of us take for granted. She was known for her wonderful smile and truly believed she was loved as she loved people and life. Karen worked at Michigan Bell Telephone where she received many commendations; also at Goodwill Industries as a dispatcher. She loved her cats and watching the birds and created some beautiful cross stitch pieces. Karen volunteered at the Portage District Library where she received a nomination for the STAR award in 1994. Surviving are her mother Nancy Simonds; two sisters Kathy (Rick) Church and Kay (Tim) Eldred; three nephews Jason (Katie) Church, Jeff Church, Justin Eldred; niece Angie (Rich) Hachfeld; aunt Ellen (Richard) Yingling; cousins Lori Yingling, Tom (Michelle) Yingling; chosen family Steve Hodges, Brian Walters; and several cousins and a multitude of friends. Karen was preceded in death by her father in 1971 and her grandparents. A Memorial Service to celebrate Karen's life will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, January 2nd at First Reformed Church of Portage (7905 S. Westnedge Ave.) with Pastor Clayton Smith officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church and immediately following the service at a time of food and fellowship. Memorials in Karen's memory may be directed to Kalamazoo Animal Rescue or Rose Arbor Hospice. Please visit Karen's personalized guest book at www.langelands.com