Pauline Karas

When looking back on the life of Pauline Karas, it is easy to see that she truly lived each and every day to the very fullest. She was a shining example of unconditional strength and unwavering love. Nothing brought Pauline greater joy than spending time with her friends and family, no matter how simple the moments. She faced challenges head-on with a spirit of fierce determination, and her giving heart allowed her to touch the lives of countless others. Forever loved, Pauline will be deeply missed by those who knew her best.

The 1930s are remembered as some of the most trying years for the United States. The country struggled under the full force of the Great Depression, and families everywhere pulled together and worked hard to make ends meet. During this time of darkness, however, there was a ray of light for Ernest and Mary (Goldbek) Wood of Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they awaited the arrival of their child. On November 22, 1930, they welcomed their daughter, who they named Pauline, into the world.

Growing up, Pauline was a typical young girl of her generation in many ways. She was raised in the family home on the West side of Grand Rapids alongside her four siblings, Donny, Virginia, Theresa and Eileen. Pauline was the middle child of the Woods family. She attended St. Anthony Catholic Church, and in her early years, she went to school there as well. Pauline graduated from Catholic Central High School.

New and exciting changes were in store for Pauline as she met the man who would soon become the love of her life. His name was Bernard Karas, and their relationship flourished as the couple fell deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Pauline and Bernie were married on April 15, 1950. They settled down into their home on Gaynor Avenue, where they would go on to build their family.

All who knew Pauline can surely agree that, of all the things she loved in life, she cherished her family above all else. She and Bernie were overjoyed to welcome their three beloved children, Thomas, Rose, and Paul, into their hearts and home. Pauline thrived in her role as a mother, and she took great pride in keeping the house neat and organized. Everyone in the Karas family had their chores to help the home run smoothly. Pauline was an excellent cook, and she and Rose would often work together to get dinner on the table. Later in life, Pauline was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother as well. She adored her grandchildren and doted on them whenever she could. Pauline enjoyed caring for her grandchildren and would even take them away for the weekend at times. She treasured any time spent with loved ones, and she considered herself blessed to watch her family tree blossom to include so many members.

Pauline was never afraid to work hard in order to provide for herself and those who depended on her. She built a successful career for herself working as a seamstress at the General Motors Plant on Alpine. Pauline was a skilled and efficient seamstress, and she was known to finish her work very quickly. She and her coworkers enjoyed doing sewing crafts together on their breaks. Pauline retired after 30 years of dedicated work. She and Bernie then moved to Canadian Lakes for a time. They spent seven years living in Florida, where they enjoyed golfing year-round, before moving back to Michigan and settling down in Canadian Lakes once again.

Pauline and Bernie purchased property in Canadian Lakes and built a cottage there, which became the backdrop of many fond memories. Family loved to gather there on the weekends. Summers were spent on the pontoon boat, and winters were filled with snowmobiling with friends. Pauline loved their time at the cottage, and living there gave her the opportunity to golf often.

Never one to sit still for long, Pauline pursued many hobbies to stay busy in her free time. She enjoyed hanging out with friends and being a social butterfly. Pauline would often visit the butcher and get a roast that she could cook on the spit for her family. She had a green thumb and took good care of her garden. Pauline liked crocheting and knitting, and she would often use her skills to make heartfelt gifts for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was always well-dressed. Pauline and Bernie both had a great passion for golf, and she enjoyed sharing her love for the sport with her family and friends. She was happiest when spending time with her loved ones.

As others can certainly attest, Pauline Karas understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Pauline was a friend to many and beloved by all. She was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others, and her primary focus in life was forming deep and personal relationships with those around her. Though she will be dearly missed, Pauline leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Pauline Karas, age 93 of Grand Rapids, passed away on Friday, August 23, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard “Bernie” Karas in 2015; as well as her siblings: Donny Wood, Virginia Cizauskas, Therese Skazinski, and Eileen Wood..

Pauline is survived by her children Thomas (Doris) Karas, Rose (Robbin) Labanowski, Paul (Betsy) Karas; 7 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Pauline worked for General Motors for 30 years. She enjoyed many years at Canadian Lakes where she loved to golf. She cherished her family and any time spent with them. Her family will gather in a private ceremony to celebrate her life. To read more about Pauline, to share a memory or sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com