Karen was born December 23, 1958, in Portland, Michigan, the daughter of Elizabeth and James Thompson. She graduated from Portland High School in 1977 and went on to study business at Central Michigan University, where she was also a resident assistant to then-sophomore John R. Mullane. The two fell in love and were married July 16, 1983. John and Karen spent 36 years of happiness raising a big, beautiful family – two girls and two boys – in White Lake.
An old soul, Karen made sure her family knew right from wrong. There was never a time when they had to consider the right thing to do, or question where they stood with her. Friends and family describe Karen as strong yet loving, warm hearted and nurturing. She made sure her children had all the tools necessary for success and was not afraid to speak her mind or be a guiding light to those in need, even if they weren’t lost. An avid reader, Karen also enjoyed playing tennis, knitting and baking. She taught all of her children at young ages how to enjoy the art of baking and was famous for her chocolate chip cookies.
Karen dedicated the majority of her life to and was eternally proud of the family she worked so hard to raise, who will be forever grateful for the wisdom and life advice she bestowed on them. Nothing made her happier than being surrounded by the ones she loved, especially grandchildren Nicholas, Sophia and John Anthony. Karen is survived by her husband John; two sons: Nicholas (Theresa) Mullane of Rochester, MI, and John Patrick Mullane of White Lake, MI; two daughters: Elizabeth Mullane of Commerce Twp, MI, and Karen (Anthony) Gargaro of Livonia, MI; three grandchildren; four siblings: Dennis Thompson of Grand Rapids, MI; Joan (Bill) Durkin, of Darien, IL; Bob (Julie) Thompson of White Hall, MI; and Judy (Kevin) Boley, of Portland, MI; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 28, 2019 from 2:00pm until 8:00pm (Scripture Service and Memory Sharing 7:00pm) at the Highland Chapel of the Elton Black & Son Funeral Home, 3295 E. Highland Road, Highland. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, August 29, 2019 at 11:00am (In State 10:00am) at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 9086 Hutchins Road, White Lake. Burial will be held Thursday, August 29, 2019 at 2:00pm at Portland Cemetery, 950 E. Bridge Street, Portland.
Memorials may be made to the Chordoma Foundation.
DONATIONS
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18