Karen Lee (Stein) Burgess

Karen Lee Burgess (née Stein) of Fowlerville, age 71, passed away on July 23, 2019 at home surrounded by family after complications from battling for 30 years with Parkinson’s disease. A Celebration of Life will be held at United Methodist Church of Fowlerville, Michigan at 201 S. 2nd St. on Saturday, July 27 at 11 am. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 26 from 4-8 pm at the Herrmann Funeral Home in Fowlerville, Michigan at 1005 E. Grand River Ave. Graveside service will be held on July 27 at 12:15 pm at the Greenwood Cemetery in Fowlerville, Michigan at 4350 Cemetery Rd. She was born on June 18, 1948 (almost 2 months premature) to Thomas D. Stein and Nelda D. (Jones) Stein. Preceding her in death were her parents and one unborn boy. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, John C. Burgess; her one and only brother “that I waited 15 years for,” Jeffrey (Janet) T. Stein of Ionia, MI, her children, Heather L. (Tim) Coffey of Flushing, MI; Thomas J. (Emily) Burgess of Denver, CO; Holly K. (Kirk) Woods of Owosso, MI; and Timothy C. Burgess of Philadelphia, PA; grandchildren Harriet L. Burgess (14 yrs.), Matthew C. Coffey (12 yrs.), Charles M. Burgess (10 yrs.), Alissa M. Coffey (10 yrs.), Madison J. Woods (9 yrs.).; her angel and girlfriend, Michelle, and several other beloved family and friends. Karen was well loved by all and known as a fiercely determined red-head who had a passion for children. Karen’s parents moved to San Francisco, California for three years after she was born unexpectedly while her parents were vacationing. Her formative years were spent in Lansing, Michigan. She graduated from Lansing Everett H.S. in 1966. Karen graduated from Alma College in 1970 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and took some post-graduate courses at Michigan State. Karen taught 2nd grade for Lapeer Community Schools in 1970-1972 at Cramton Elementary, and worked intermittently from 1972-1994 as a substitute teacher and paraprofessional. She was married on October 6, 1972 to John at Okemos Community Church. Karen and John lived in Lapeer, Michigan until 2009 when they moved to Nicholasville, Kentucky. In 2011, Karen and John made Fowlerville, Michigan their home. Karen was a teacher at heart, no matter the setting. She loved paper crafting (scrapbooking before it was a big thing), watching hockey and all Michigan State sports (she bled green). She was actively involved in her church, which included singing in the choir and volunteering for many things, especially ones that involved working with children. She had a passion for music and dancing, which she shared with her 5 grandchildren whom she absolutely adored. Karen had a witty sense of humor and always had a quick comeback. She often was playful and at times mischievous in her actions.She got her sense of humor and stubbornness from her father and grandfather. If you would like to make a donation in Karen’s memory please consider the Michael J. Fox Foundation (www.michaeljfox.org) for Parkinson’s research.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.