Karen L. Syrotchen
October 12, 1960 – December 17, 2018
In accordance with her wishes, cremation will take place and a celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to West Michigan Cancer Center c/o the funeral home. Family and friends are encouraged to leave a condolence message.
Obituary
Age 58, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, December 17, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. Karen was born on October 12, 1960 in Kalamazoo, daughter of William and Gerrie Peet. She graduated from Portage Central High School and Western Michigan University. After graduating, she began working at Hudson’s Department Store at Crossroads Mall in 1984. It was there she met the love of her life, Alan Syrotchen, who caught her eye while he was working in another department, across the aisle. Karen continued to work at Hudson’s during their many name changes, including Marshall Fields and currently, Macy’s Department Store. She loved her customers and loved helping others and always placed their needs ahead of her own. Karen had many passions and hobbies. She used to teach aerobic dance and enjoyed swimming and loved to attend estate sales with Alan. Until recently, she also enjoyed going to yoga classes at St. Thomas More and was a member of the “Survivorsize” and the yoga group at the YMCA in both Portage and Kalamazoo. Karen stressed to be kind and decent to everyone and was a selfless person. On September 25, 1988, Karen married Alan at Kanley Chapel at WMU. After seven years of marriage, God blessed Karen and Alan with their daughter, Jill Marie, who became the center of their world. When Jill was in school, Karen was very active as a volunteer at Woodland Elementary and spent much of her time on field trips, as a class room helper, chaperone and just about anything else she could do to spend time with her daughter. Karen was preceded in death by her grandparents as well as her mother and father in law. She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Alan, their daughter Jill Marie Syrotchen as well as her parents, William and Gerrie, along with her brother Steve (Lisa) Peet and nieces and nephews, Emily, Ashley and Daniel.
No one could have loved and cared more than Karen in all that she did. Her amazing legacy continues, to infinity and beyond. In our hearts and prayers endlessly, love you all unceasing and forever. Nancy & Howard
Both Pat and I are thinking of and praying for you. Our heartfelt condolences to the whole Peet family. As our across the street neighbors, Karen and the rest of the Peet family were part of my life growing up, and I cherish the memories of those times on Thrushwood.
My condolences and my prayers go to the Peet and Syrotchen families. My thoughts are with you.
Thinking of Alan and Jill and the entire family at this time. Karen will be greatly missed.
My prayers go out to the Peet and Syrotchen families. Karen was a wonderful person and I always enjoyed seeing her when I would go to Hudson’s, Marshall Fields, and Macy’s. Also, Karen was my very first aerobic instructor (Vicksburg) – and she was AWESOME! Karen will be missed! RIP Karen.
Alan, Jill and other family. I am so sorry for Karen’s passing. My love, thoughts and prayers are with you all. Much love, Lynn
Karen was my childhood, next door neighbor, buddy. Couldnt ask for a nicer, sweeter, good friend. We had lots a fun together! Didn’t keep up as well as adults, but whenever we saw each other, Karen always quick to enquire about my family. My thoughts and condolences to her family.
Karen was such a special person. Her positivity and professionalism was so inspiring. She was one of the first people I met when I started working at then Marshall Fields. I will miss Karen, but always will remember her infectious smile. My sincere condolences to Al and Jill. Blessings, Amy Streitel
I will always remember working with Karen and her kind and amazing spirit. She will be truly missed.
I met Karen at Yoga class. She is one of the most beautiful people I have ever met, with her positive attitude and unselfish nature. God has received a beautiful soul into His home! I hope the family can find comfort in your many loving and happy memories of this incredibly beautiful woman.
I always enjoyed Karen’s lighthearted way…we worked together many years and I have great memories of her stories and her smile. She was an energizing spirit to be around and will be missed by everyone.
My deepest sympathy to the family. Karen always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. She will be missed by all who knew her. Nancy Amey
I am so sorry to hear about Karen. She was an extremely kind and thoughtful person. Whenever we spoke she was sure to ask about my family and if I ever passed her in the store she made a point to say hello. I loved listening to her talk about her family and it was obvious she was so proud of her daughter. Karen was always so positive and always looked at the bright side of things. She is already greatly missed and I offer my condolences to the family. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
My thoughts go out to Alan and Jill. Karen was always friendly, approachable and genuinely interested in our classroom activities and events when Jill was a 4th grader in my class. She was a dedicated mother and a true, loving partner with Alan. I vividly remember when the Syrotchens adopted their beautiful black and white Shepherd dog, Zavie while Jill was in my class. I always loved watching Karen, Alan and Jill walk Zavie by my classroom window. We shared many waves over the years when they walked past my window. I hope you find comfort and strength in the special memories and laughs that Karen brought to your family.
Dear Alan, Jill and Family, We are heartbroken to hear about Karen‘s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We love you so very much and are praying for God‘s love and peace during this difficult time. Let us know if we can do anything for you. Love, Aunt Shirley and Cousin Jennifer
I am so sorry to hear about Karen’s passing. I’m also sorry that we didn’t get to spend more time with you all getting to know her. I love you all and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. We were next door neighbors for many years and I was Karen’s babysitter at times. Her parents were wonderful neighbors to my mom before she passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Alan and Jill, I was shocked when Nancy informed me of Karen’s passing. Although I knew she was ill, it was nevertheless a shock. Sadly, I did not know her well although I feel I did based on Nancy’s talking about her so frequently and in such glowing terms. I very much enjoyed finally meeting her in the flesh at Howard and Nancy’s wedding. You have my deepest sympathy but also my firm belief that you will see her again. There is, I think, some appropriate wisdom in the Harry Potter movies: “The ones we love never really leave us. You can always find them here in your heart.” Let that be you comfort in this otherwise dark time. God bless you! John Klauer
My deepest condolences to Gerrie, Bill, Alan and all of Karen’s family. She will be missed.
My deepest condolences go to Alan&Jill during this time, my prayers and love are with you all. I have many fond memories of Karen during my many years at Macy’s. She was always so helpful whenever the Home dept. hid items from me in plain sight. She always wore a smile and had a kind word or fun story to share. I looked forward to those shifts when I knew she’d be there.
My deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers are going out to her family. I had the pleasure of getting to know Karen when I was the Studio Manager for Olan Mills inside of Macy’s. She had such a sweet personality and always greeted everyone with a smile. She will be deeply missed.