Karen passed away peacefully on August 11, 2023 surrounded by her loved ones and sixty-six years of beautiful stories.
Karen was born on November 9, 1956 to Charles and Alma Farrar. Karen's legacy is her silent strength and her proud commitment to family. As the middle sibling of seven children, Karen is survived by her sisters Patti (Ken) Perlin and Cathleen (Bill) Stief, and her brothers Tim (Kathy) Farrar, Gary Farrar (Vito Maniaci), and Chip (Karen) Farrar. Karen is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Sheila Farrar.
Karen was married to her husband Mark for 41 years, and with Mark had her two children, Erin (Eric) Krajewski and Steven (Samantha) Highfield. Karen was born to be a grandmother, and she adored her role as Nana to her four grandchildren Anna, Leah, Ben, and Henry.
Karen's hobbies and joys centered around being a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and nana. Those who loved her most have fond memories of time together at J&J Burning, sister trips, weekends in Chicago, Elrond Drive, her Traverse City condo, and her frequent visits with her grandchildren. For those that knew her, she was fiery, devoted, and overflowing with love.
Karen also took pride in the quiet strength and discipline with which she managed Type 1 diabetes for 57 years. As an example of life's unfairness, Karen ultimately passed away after being diagnosed with vascular dementia.
Visitation at the O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi, 248-348-1800 on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a rosary at 7:00 PM. Instate Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 23815 Power Road, Farmington from 9:30 AM until time of funeral liturgy 10:00 AM. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or American Diabetes Association .