Karen McElroy

Karen was born on November 17, 1944 in Ishpeming, MI, to Edwin and Amanda (Erickson) Sather. She was a graduate of Gwinn High School.

On June 11, 1966, Karen married James W. McElroy. They began building a life and family together that spanned almost 60 years. Despite pulling up roots several times and moving as Jim would be assigned different job localities around the United States, Karen did the best she could to adapt.

Karen became and worked for several years as a licensed cosmetologist before marriage. Once she became a mother, she enjoyed being a homemaker. She was also very skilled at refinishing furniture and enjoyed home projects.

In 2005, Karen was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and eventually Lewy Body Dementia. With no cure available, she fought it the best she could and never gave up even though her decline would continue until the end.

Karen is survived by her husband, James McElroy of Gwinn; daughter, Teri (Greg) Babcock of Negaunee, MI; son, Wayne (Melissa) McElroy of Gwinn; grandchildren, Tara Chamblee, Christopher Chamblee, Dryden McElroy and Wyatt McElroy; great-grandchildren, Dominick Williams and Saylor Chamblee; sister, Mavis Jeffords of California; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Sather of Gwinn and Jacque Whiting of Mt. Morris, MI; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Amanda Sather and brother, William Sather.

A memorial service for Karen will take place at a later date and will be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Karen’s memory to a charity of your choice.

Canale Gwinn Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting Karen’s family where memories and condolences may be shared at canalefuneral.com.