Karina Marie Fontichiaro

Karina Marie (Wappula) Fontichiaro passed away on January 14, 2026, at age 81. Karina, known as Kerry, was born August 6, 1944, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she grew up and graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1962. A lifelong Lutheran, she attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, where she played the piano and organ, part of a lifelong affinity and affection for music. She attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, for two years where she made many friends and played flute in their concert band. She returned to Ann Arbor to complete her degree at the University of Michigan, earning her Bachelor of Science in Education with Distinction in 1966 and beginning a career in special education. Kerry was deeply curious about others and the world around her. She believed life was full of interesting and funny everyday moments and is remembered for her frequent and memorable laugh. Her curiosity and good humor were a perfect match to her interest in children’s growth and imagination. Her greatest joy was as a mother and grandmother. Additionally, she nurtured children all around her as a Girl Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, special education teacher, community volunteer, and private tutor. She taught at Pontiac State Hospital and Walled Lake Consolidated Schools before stepping away to raise her three children. She later returned to teaching as a special education teacher for Rochester Community Schools, where she enjoyed working with her students and team. During this time, Kerry was proud to return to the University of Michigan to earn her Master of Arts in Education in 1990. Throughout her long illness, she demonstrated sisu, a term from her Finnish heritage meaning tenacity in the face of difficulty. She took pride in helping nursing students practice their skills, and her final teaching act was to donate her brain to the University of Michigan for future study.

She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Ailie Wappula, and her daughter-in-law Maja (Holkeboer) Fontichiaro. She is survived by her daughter Kristin Fontichiaro, her son Rob Fontichiaro, her daughter Julie de Klerk (Quinton de Klerk), and four grandchildren: Quincy de Klerk, Grace de Klerk, Aurora Fontichiaro, and Lucas Fontichiaro.

The family would like to thank the staff of Grace Hall at the Gilbert Residence for their care, good humor, and affection for Kerry over the years.

Kerry’s life will be remembered in a private service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kerry’s honor to bring joy to the residents of Grace Hall at the Gilbert Residence or to a non-profit organization that brings you joy.