Char Kovats

Kovats, Charlotte (Johnson) May 3, 1931 – September 15, 2023

Charlotte “Char” (Johnson) Kovats passed away peacefully on September 15, 2023 at Kalamazoo Heritage Community in Kalamazoo, MI. She was born May 3, 1931 in Grand Rapids, MI, the eldest daughter of Alden and Ellen (Johnson) Johnson. She was predeceased by her husband, Daniel Kovats, in 2012 after 59 years of marriage.

Char, a former long-time resident of Grand Rapids, MI, was a graduate of Grand Rapids Public Schools, Michigan State College, and the University of Michigan. After her 1953 MSC graduation, she was in-turn, an elementary school teacher, a stay-at-home wife and mother, and a volunteer, mostly in areas that involved children. In the early 70's she went back to school, re-entered the work force, and was employed in personnel administration for Wolverine Building, Inc. until her retirement in 1991.

She was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who enjoyed life, and being with family and friends. Char had a lifelong interest in learning. She enjoyed reading and following current events. She volunteered as a Campfire Girls leader and a Sunday school teacher at Grand Rapids First United Methodist Church. She managed the “home front” during the many busy years when her husband was actively involved with his musical career. After Dan's retirement, the two of them delivered meals together for years for Grandville Senior Neighbors.

Memories Char had that were unforgettable and treasured were those of traveling with young students who participated in Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp International bands and orchestras on tours throughout Europe and Scandinavia. These trips, with highly motivated high-school musicians hosted by European and Scandinavian families, helped Char expand her cultural knowledge and broaden her outlook on life. (A side trip enabled Dan and her to visit the area in Sweden where her grandparents (both sets) lived before emigrating to the US.)

Char is survived by her loving family: Sue Kovats-Bell (George Granger), William (Susan Slykhouse) Kovats, David Kovats, Carol Kovats Amor (Kathy Nava); grandchildren Laura (Eric Echelmeyer) Bell, David (Alexandra Plemmons) Bell, Robert Kovats (David Lopez), Sarah (Dave) Pai, Rebecca (Stephen) Karpinski, Mary Amor; five great-grandchildren, Kai, Cooper, Henry, Alex, Annika, and Robin; her sister Marlene Vos and family; Karen (Bill) DeBlase, Mitchell, and Nicole (Beck Ledger).

Char requested a sincere and warm thank you be extended to each and every one of you, (you know who you are) who walked with her on her life's 90 plus years' journey. Char and her family members extend their gratitude and heartfelt thanks to all who befriended and cared for her at Meilland Square-Assisted Living and through CentricaCare Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to CentricaCare Navigators of Kalamazoo or the Grand Rapids United Methodist Community House.

A Celebration of Life service for Char will be held Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 12 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends may gather with her family beginning at 11 AM, and a luncheon will follow the service. Private interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to CentricaCare Navigators of Kalamazoo or the Grand Rapids United Methodist Community House. www.heritagelifestory.com