Karen Jean Carpenter, 74, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis, which she had faced with strength since 1994. She was born on November 24, 1951, to William and Fern Imeson, who preceded her in death. Karen was united in marriage to Frank E. Carpenter on December 9, 1978; he also preceded her in death. She was further preceded in death by her daughter, Lori Coles, and her soul sister, Maureen Paulin. Karen will be deeply missed by her cherished daughter, Stephanie (John McKay III); her son-in-law, Dan Coles; her grandchildren, Rylie McKay, John McKay IV, Michelle (Ryan Erickson), Elizabeth (Alex Spinelli), and Jennifer Coles; and her great-grandchildren, Izabella Erickson and Iven Erickson. She is also survived by her brother, Mark Imeson; her soul sisters, Kelly (Ed Mahrenholz), Barb (Rich Seymour), and Laureen (Jim Brown); her dear friend, Sue Alksnis; and her beloved cat, Squeaky. Karen was a proud graduate of Rogers High School, Class of 1970, and continued her education in interior design at Grand Rapids Junior College. She dedicated many years of service working at Kmart on Plainfield Avenue in Grand Rapids. Karen had a creative and generous spirit. She loved knitting scarves on her loom, gifting to many family, friends, schools, and homeless shelters. Her knitting bag was with her wherever she went she never left it behind. She enjoyed cooking and was especially known for her delicious zucchini bread, which she lovingly shared during the holidays and beyond. Sewing was one of her greatest passions—she made her own wedding dress, as well as dresses for weddings, special occasions, and countless Halloween costumes for herself and her daughter, Stephanie. She also had many what she called sew overs instead of sleepovers with her soul sister Barb. She spent many summers camping down at the Kent County Youth Fair with her soul sister Kelly along with countless holidays and family get-togethers. Karen also loved gardening and canning, and she created meaningful decoupage plaques from wedding invitations, graduation announcements, and birth announcements as heartfelt gifts. She had a fondness for owls, amassing a large collection, and she dearly loved cats.  Even after her MS diagnosis, Karen embraced life fully and refused to let it slow her down. She continued working for many years, even while using a walker, demonstrating her incredible strength and independence. She was a kind, caring, and selfless woman who was always ready to help others. Above all, she was a devoted mother and grandmother who will be remembered as truly amazing by all who knew and loved her. A big thank you to Kim, Karen's extra special helper. They spent many hours together talking and watching TV together. Karen with her caring nature gave Kim lots of advice when needed. Thank you to Faith Hospice and Trillium Woods for the care towards the end of her journey on earth. A celebration of Karen’s life will be held on March 23, 2026, with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. and the service to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Ofield Funeral Home, 4500 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Kentwood, MI 49508.

Donations in Karen’s honor may be made to the local non-profit Down to Defend.