Karen Edwards

Dearly beloved by her family and friends, Karen Edwards lived a life rich in love and laughter. She was a constant source of strength and encouragement, a steady foundation for all those who looked up to her no matter the circumstances. A caring wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Karen was the heartbeat of her family, and she cherished each moment spent in the company of her loved ones. Her generosity was limitless, exemplified in the way she went above and beyond to serve others. Although life will never be the same without Karen here with us, she leaves behind a precious collection of memories that we can forever hold close.

The late 1940s are remembered as years of healing as families were reunited. In 1945, the end of WWII was celebrated worldwide. Here at home in the United States, the economy was thriving, and the historic baby boom was underway. It was during this exciting time that Earl and Elizabeth Jones of Gros Cap, Michigan, were excitedly expecting the arrival of their third child. On February 11 of 1946, they welcomed their daughter, Karen, into their arms.

In many ways, Karen was a typical girl of her generation. She was raised in the family home alongside her two older sisters, Barbara and Joann, and three younger siblings, Robert, Sandy, and William. Karen’s father, Earl, maintained a hobby farm, so Karen learned those skills and put them to work as a hired hand for various local farmers. During her high school, her father’s search for work moved the family to Rockford, Michigan. Karen and her sisters began attending Rockford schools. After graduating high school, Karen went on to attend nursing school and volunteered as a candy striper for a time.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Karen as she met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was John Edwards, and the two were first introduced through a friend of Karen’s family, Roy Strickland. Sparks flew between them, and it didn’t take the couple long to fall head over heels in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Karen and John were married in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in November of 1965. Karen’s parents purchased a home with two separate apartments, and the newlyweds settled down in one, eager to step into their future together.

In the coming years, Karen and John were overjoyed to see their family begin to grow. They welcomed their first son, John, into the world in 1966, followed by Lynda and finally Douglas. Karen raised her kids in their home on Leonard and Plainfield and dedicated herself to caring for her family as a stay-at-home mom. Meanwhile, John provided by working at local gas stations, Irwin Seating, and Williams Form Engineering. Once her youngest, Douglas, was older, Karen stepped back into the workforce as well. She typically worked second or third shift in the automobile field so that she could still care for her kids during the day. There was truly nothing Karen wouldn’t do for her family, and they were the focus of her life.

Later on, Karen was overjoyed to become a doting grandmother to David, Alex, Zachary, Aiden, and Richard. She found such happiness in caring for her grandkids whenever she could. As her husband’s health began to decline, Karen took on the role of his caretaker. She was even able to witness the arrival of her great-grandson, Brenden. Karen was deeply content in the simple joy of time spent with loved ones.

Kindhearted, compassionate, and devoted to her family above all else, those who knew and loved Karen Edwards can certainly attest to her life well lived. She faced challenges with determination and grace, and she radiated a calming warmth that drew others close. Karen’s family was undoubtedly her greatest treasure. Her legacy is one of steadfastness and quiet, selfless service. Already so greatly missed, Karen will be forever loved and remembered.

Karen Edwards, of Grand Rapids Michigan, passed away on Monday May 4, 2026 after a long battle with dementia.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband John Edwards, her siblings Barbara, Joann, and Robert, and her Grandson Richard Swendroski, Jr.

She is survived by her children John (Shalona) Edwards, Lynda Edwards, and Douglas Edwards, her grandchildren David (Becca) Edwards, Alex Swendroski, Zachary Van Dyke, Aiden Edwards, her great grandson Brenden Edwards, her sister Sandy and brother William.

A service to remember Karen will be held on Monday May, 11 2026 at 11:00 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave N.E. Grand Rapids MI, 49505. A time of visitation will take place before the service starting at 10 am at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in Karen’s honor may be directed to Corewell Hospice.

To leave a memory or sign her personal guest book, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com