Karen Swanberg Brown

Born on March 5, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, Karen was the daughter of Georgia and Irving Swanberg and the second-oldest of six children. She grew up in Southfield, MI.

On August 11, 1974, Karen met the love of her life, Burke, and from that day forward the two were inseparable. They married on September 25, 1976 at Martha-Mary Chapel in Greenfield Village. They built a beautiful life together. Karen poured her heart into raising their children, Jason and Audra, who remained her pride and joy. Later, she delighted in becoming “Grannie” to Kerrigan and Nolan, a role that filled her with immeasurable happiness.

Family was always at the heart of Karen’s world. She shared a special bond with her little sister Sue, and loved spending time with her siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Her love showed itself most in the way she always showed up for family. Karen loved to gather people together, always bringing humor, joy, and her unforgettable laugh to every occasion.

A creative soul, Karen had a talent for painting, filling her home with Bob Ross–inspired landscapes that reflected her love for beauty and peace. Karen also loved to travel and went on many adventures including countless trips to her beloved Southwest. A compassionate Pisces, she will be remembered for her generous spirit, sense of humor, zest for life, and big loving heart.

Karen is survived by her devoted husband of 49 years, Burke; her daughter Audra and son-in-law Tal; her son Jason and daughter-in-law Jamie; and her beloved grandchildren, Kerrigan and Nolan. She is also survived by her siblings Alan, Sue, and Claire. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Doug and Carl.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Elton Black & Son Funeral Home, 3295 E Highland Rd, Highland Township, MI 48356.

Visitation: 4:00–6:00 p.m.

Service: 6:00–7:00 p.m.

All are welcome to join in honoring Karen’s beautiful life and legacy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Karen’s honor to the Lewy Body Dementia Association: https://www.lbda.org/honor-your-loved-one/

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Cranberry Park of Milford and Amber Hospice, who cared for Karen with such kindness and love, treating her as if she were their own family.