Karen Ann Samuels

A graduate of the University of Michigan, Karen practiced Dental Hygiene for many years before raising a family took center stage. Mom insisted that no matter how busy Dad was he come home so we could eat dinner as a family. Dinner always consisted of meat, starch, cooked vegetables, and salad. Mom got to choose what to drink – kids got milk (which none of us enjoyed, but strong bones and teeth were the goal).

Mom and Dad travelled the world extensively by air, sea, and land. Family trips across the US in the motorhome, their annual cruises, a trip to Europe which Mom convinced Dad he needed to buy jeans for, and their most favorite trip, to Australia. They enjoyed time travelling with friends and family, including Uncle Dave.

Retirement brought a permanent move, from the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, to the condo they carefully remodeled and loved in Tarpon Springs, Florida. The condo provided the perfect Spring Break destination. They spent long hours in the car visiting their kids and grandkids and stopping to pop in on lifelong friends along the way.

Mom will be remembered for many things, mostly as a feisty go-getter, full of energy. She thoroughly enjoyed her six grandchildren playing games, taking Thanksgiving adventures, including Escape Rooms, Shooting Ranges, Go Carting. Once she got going her laughter was contagious – the grandkids loved being the “one” to get the chuckles started.

Mom taught us to be thoughtful, thank you notes are a must; to be thrifty; we love a coupon and a great bargain; to work (and play hard); and take time to enjoy the little things in life. She taught us to give back by example. She was a lifetime volunteer, most recently with Advent Health. Her kids and grandchildren continue her legacy of community service.

Mom’s strength of body, we jokingly called her the beast, and mind transcends generations and lives on in her children and grandchildren.

“I beat cancer three times already you know, I’m going to beat it again,” Mom said a few weeks ago. And, true to form, she was right. The last fight was tougher and ultimately, she made the bold decision to pass as she lived, “her way.” While we’re extremely saddened by her death, we are lifted by her spirit and will remain proud to call her Mom.

Mom is survived by her daughters and their families: Terri (Rick) Grulke, Troy Rondeau, Shaelyn (Brad) Gosselin, Patti Samuels, Sydnee Samuels, and Sherri (Tim) Ciurlik, Alyssa, Kristen, and AJ along with many family and friends.

Contributions in her honor can be made to the charity of your choice or her favorites, Hospice or Veteran’s organizations.