So many memories but one was when we were up North in Hale & decided it was time for Karens pull on polyester pants to go. We made her take them off & threw them in the fire. It didn't take a second & they were gone. Then we took her shopping for new pants & shoes without velcro. She put up with this abuse & kept smiling. 
The best for me though was when she was my partner in pictionary, again, in Hale, I cannot draw. Stick figures are my thing. I picked a card & had not a clue how she would figure out what i tried to draw. I did a stick figure on one knee, arms raised & she, without hesitation, said "Al Jolson"  She was right. 
We went to Colorado & had a great time, hit a huge electrical storm flying back, so that was a little scary, since both of us seem to attract lightening. Then we were on the way up to Hale, my sister Laurie driving, just outside of Saginaw, got a flat tire, Laurie tried to change the tire at about 10pm, jacked up the car, flagged down a driver on I-75, Karen was asleep in the van through the whole thing.  Then years earlier after a Halloween party she left to drive home & ended up in Toledo. I could go on & on. Karen will live on in our memories & we will miss making new ones.

The Maki Family,
You have my deepest condolence.

Karen and I were the two old geezers that sat in the balcony on the Muppet show that always lovingly criticized the stage acts every week.  There was never a topic we agreed on but we respected the
other beliefs and opinions.  I will miss the daily live conspiracy theory pod cast at her cube where she enlighten us on these topics.

Karen was loved and will be truly missed.
The balcony is forever closed. 

Friend and  Co-worker
Artemese Lyles

Karen (Kare-on as I called her), I never thought I would be saying these words, under these circumstances,  but you will truly be missed, you have been here every since I started here @ YSC in 1988.  You have always been so kind to me, always smiling, laughing, and a big sports fan. You will always be my Young Supply Sister now and forever!!! My prayers and deepest condolences go out to all the family and friends.

I enjoyed working with Karen for 30 years at Young Supply Company.  Every day seems so different now walking past her desk and not seeing her there anymore.  I'm going to miss our laughs we had together every morning.  Karen was always a down to earth person and never bit her tongue - always saying what was on her mind.  Karen was a loving person and always enjoyed talking about her sports.  She enjoyed her job at YSC and never wanted to miss a day of work.  I'm going to miss her saying, "Happy Pay Day Friday!!" Karen was also a huge lover of cats, dogs, and all other animals.  She always had different pictures of animals on her computer screen.  My deepest sympathy goes out to the family.  - Love, Kim Pearson

Karen was a great part of the Young Supply Family for 44 Years! Besides being a great friend and part of the team, we will miss her greetings in the morning like "Happy Friday" or "Happy Pay-Day Friday", witty sense of humor, and amazing sports knowledge! Even when she was battling her illness, she never complained, and showed up as often as she possibly could. May she rest in peace!

Karen is really missed around the office here at Young Supply, where she worked for nearly 44 years. No matter what the topic of the hour or day happened to be, Karen kept it real, saying exactly what was on her mind.  Karen was a beautiful mix of kindness, sharp wit, animal lover, and friend.  She looked forward to getting her fish & chips on Fridays and her dinner outings with family and friends. Football season won't be the same without Karen wearing her favorite 49ers jersey as she deliberated over which teams to pick for the win. On Monday morning, after watching the games, Karen would give her expert commentary and tell us which teams played well and which ones screwed up.  Karen really knew her football and always had fun. We lost one of the good ones way too soon. RIP, Karen.

Loving memories next to a fire pit with the other Wilderness Girls. Singing songs playing pictionary. Always good food and occasionally some libation. Road trips around the lower mitten. Sitting in her kitchen on Blossom and feeding her dog carrots.  I could go on, but I'm getting choked up laughing with and about her antics for the past 30 years. Today's air show is a sweet tribute to those we have shared in the past.  Looking forward to seeing you, God, and the Chenille sisters in heaven. Loving you always Karen.

To the Maki Family, 
The Collier Family is  praying for peace and comfort for the loss of Karen, we are hopeful that the tears shed soon turn to laughter when you think about her.

I truly miss her here at the office.  I've never know YSC without her till recently, a change that I personally do not like.
We miss Karen, and your endless comments about the government, work, sports and news of the day or week.  
Hoping you have found some rest now and your battle is done.
God Bless you and your family.

I met Karen in the 6th grade at St. Philomena Grade School. She was the new kid in class. We bonded over our distate for one of our teachers, and held meetings at her house of the "I Hate Blair Club." It was a short-lived club, maybe two meetings, and mostly existed as a way to get together and complain about our teacher and eat junk food when our parents weren't looking. Our friendship blossomed, and we hung out and played softball together starting in 7th grade. Karen played shortstop and was a really good player.  We attended Finney High School, where Karen played Varsity basketball. There was no softball team, so we played for Parks and Recreation instead. We always had a great team and won several championships. We played on various teams together well into adulthood. Karen was never very fast, but she was a great fielder and a consistent hitter and an asset to our team always.

As adults, our lives took different paths, but we still spent time together. Karen was always present at the girls" Annual Spring and Fall trips Up North to Hale. Karen was the quiet one, and I'll admit we played jokes at her expense. Karen was never someone who followed the latest fashion trends. One year, after Karen showed up at our annual gathering wearing her signature polyester "jeans," we decided to burn them in effigy. ( I regret the toxic fumes we unleashed into the atmostphere. ) As a consolation, we let Karen keep her velcro sneakers. Karen was a good sport and a great friend. She allowed me the fun of redecorating her living room, giving me free reign and allowing me to take her outside her comfort zone.

 Karen loved sports, her family, friends and pets. She had a huge heart that she did not wear on her sleeve. Karen was the type of person content to stand outside the spotlight and leave  gentle footprints behind as her mark on the world. I'm glad I got to be part of that life. I'll miss you, friend.

Instate

OBITUARY

Karen Leslie Maki

May 10, 1956 – May 25, 2024

Kaul Funeral Home

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