Kari Marie Nell

Kari Marie Nell (Beckett) 65, passed away on Wednesday July 9th, 2025. She was born on August 13th, 1959 in Pontiac, Michigan to Roderick Beckett and Jacqueline Covert (Stration). She is survived by her children Windsor Lowry (Nell), Austin Nell, Sydney Nell, daughter-in-law Hannah Fuentes-Nell, and stepson’s Nicholas Nell & Zach Nell. Her grandchildren Leo Lowry and Lucas Lowry. Her father George Stration, Aunt Sue Covert (Danny Farris), sister Shannon (Paul) Wiseman, brother Ryan (Pauline) Beckett, and step-brothers Stefan (Naunie) Stration, Nick Stration, Chuck (Eileen) Stration. She is preceded in death by her mother Jacqueline Stration (Covert), father Roderick Beckett, Grandfather Arnold Covert, Grandmother Phyllis Covert, and her beloved companion - her dog Zeus.

She dedicated over 35 years working as an accountant for her father George’s company, American Medical Systems in Livonia, Michigan. Kari’s greatest source of pride and love in her life were her children and grandchildren who know and refer to her lovingly as “Buzzkill”. There was no length she wouldn't go to for her children and grandchildren - the love and dedication she gave them will be carried on for eternity. She was truly a beautiful soul that loved and guided every individual that had the pleasure of meeting her, both stranger and friend alike. There was no such thing as a stranger in her life, as she loved and was loved by all. Kari never experienced a problem that she could not solve, and she forever dedicated herself to helping others and approached anyone she met with a thoughtful, loving heart.

Some of Kari’s greatest passions included being outdoors, especially the beaches of Beulah and Northern Michigan. Lake Michigan was her favorite Great Lake. Watching sunsets at her favorite lighthouse, Point Betsie, then going “back to the camper” to indulge in desserts, like a famous Cherry Hut cherry pie, sea salt caramels, and Raisinets. She loved to kayak and paddle board the Platte River and bodies of water surrounding her hometown of White Lake as well as lounging in her immaculate pool at home. She had a great love for sports (especially soccer) and could discuss them with anyone. Her favorite teams were Real Madrid, the Detroit Lions, and the Detroit Tigers.

Kari was also a gifted artist in many mediums creating beautiful hand-drawn portraits of family members and sewing/ hand stitching elaborate Christmas stockings for all of her children. She always gave the best and most thoughtful gifts, never missing a birthday or anniversary that were accompanied by beautiful, personal cards. You were extra special if you received one from her prized stock of Gwen Frostic stationary. She also had great love of music and enjoyed attending live concerts with her loved ones. She had a way with numbers and enjoyed completing puzzles in her spare time. She brought the sunshine with her everywhere she went and whenever you feel the sun’s ray on your face or a kiss of a lakeside breeze or the flittering grace of a monarch butterfly you know her heart and soul are with you. Kari’s favorite flowers were stargazer lilies, tiger lilies, and red roses. Her absence from this world is devastating and can never be forgotten. Please find solace knowing that she passed in her home, in her favorite spot, surrounded by love and her children.

There will be a Celebration of Kari's life on Saturday, July 19, 2025. The family will receive guests from 1:00 pm until 4:30 pm at the Union Lake Chapel of the Elton Black and Son Funeral Home, 1233 Union Lake Road in White Lake. A memorial dinner will follow at 5:00 pm at Prime 7 Bar & Restaurant, 8635 Cooley Lake Road in Commerce Township, Michigan.