Karla Anne Irish, age 80, passed away on May 28, 2025, at Corewell Health Blodgett Hospital. Karla was born in Grand Rapids on January 4, 1945, to Alfred and Ruth (Palmer) Zemeskas. She was a lifelong resident of the area.
A devoted and loving mother, Karla raised her son Steven in a Christian home. For many years, Karla was a licensed daycare provider so she could stay at home during Steven’s formative years. She spent the last few years of her working career at the Amway Grand where she was a hotel steward.
When Karla took time for herself, she was frequently reading. She was a voracious reader and could easily read at least two, sometimes more, books in a week. She enjoyed various religious and romance fiction.
She had a talent for knitting and crocheting. She created many blankets and other items that are now valuable keepsakes.
Karla was a private person who lived her life with grace, and independence. She is survived by her son Steven, and several friends and extended family.
Keeping with Karla’s quiet personality, the family is not having any formal services, so instead suggests in lieu of flowers you consider a memorial donation in her memory to the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
