Karen Lea Stringer

Karen Lea Stringer, 72, of Petoskey, Michigan, passed away at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital surrounded by family on April 21, 2026. She was born March 4, 1954, at Detroit Osteopathic Hospital at 2:02 AM to Clarence and Ethel Stringer.

Karen grew up in Allen Park with her parents, siblings Joyce and Raymond, and numerous members of close family. She attended Allen Park schools and enjoyed many summers with her extended family in Houghton Lake, most of whom still own cottages and flock to them during the summer with their thriving and growing families.

Affectionately called “Momma Karen”, or “Gramma Karen” by most who knew her, is quite telling of her unlimited ability to love, understand and welcome all who met her. Nothing brought her more joy than taking care of people. You never went hungry at Gramma Karen’s house or felt the chill of a draft due to the never-ending supply of homemade crocheted blankets.

An avid and ferocious reader, talented artist, Sunday New York times crossword master and pop culture enthusiast, Karen was the last person you wanted to watch an episode of Jeopardy with because it left you in awe of her brilliance, and doubting your own intelligence. But one never felt the sting for long, because she also found the ridiculous in anything/everything, and in seconds you will find yourself laughing with her, (or at her) until your sides hurt. She will be missed dearly by everyone. Rest easy Momma Karen.

Karen is survived by her sister, Joyce and her children; Chad (Kelly), Jimmy (Tracy), Jennifer (Jeremy), Sarah (Gordon), Hannah (Scott) and Joseph (Becky). Eight grandchildren; Susan, Jenna, Aden, Marie, Anna, Everly, Ensley, and Ezra, and her great-grandson Mason.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Clarence Stringer and Ethel VanDette, brother Raymond Stringer, brother in-law James Soloman, and beloved nephew and friend, Jeffrey Stringer.

A celebration of life will take place at the Fox Den in Houghton Lake, July 25th, 2026, 12:00pm to 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Women’s Resource Center in Petoskey.