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Karen Marie Furlong, age 71, of Three Rivers, died on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at Bronson Methodist Hospital, following a brief illness. She was born April 27, 1953 in Detroit, a daughter of Edward and Marian (Walker) Tabaczuk.
On December 11, 1971 she married Gerald Emerick, whom she was married to for 24 years, ending in divorce. On May 20, 2005 she married Dave Furlong in Centreville. He preceded her in death August 7, 2011.
Karen became a live-in Nanny at age 17 for a wonderful family. These relationships built during this short time in her life continued on across miles and decades of her life, as she often referred to them as her additional family. Karen retired from Louisiana Pacific Co. in Middlebury in 2016.
Karen was cherished and loved deeply by her husband, Dave, until his death in 2011. She was a member of Three Rivers Church of the Nazarene, and loved music, especially “Motown” and Whitney Houston. She faithfully served in a volunteer role at the Community Kitchen in Three Rivers and truly enjoyed being part of this ministry. She also loved her Detroit Tigers and TV game shows, never missing Wheel of Fortune, unless she was cheering on one of her many grandchildren and great grandchildren at their sporting events and their many interests and activities. Above all, and most precious and important to Karen, was her family. She cherished every gathering, and especially spending the Holidays together in her beloved home. Lyrics from the song “Happy Holidays” will forever still be sung as family members enter gatherings each Thanksgiving and Christmas, just as she loved to do for years and years. Karen built a life legacy of love, joy, laughter, faith, resilience, and perseverance that continues to live on in the hearts of her loved ones.
Surviving are her son Craig (Shirley) Emerick, Elkhart, Daughter Tracey (Rich) Saunders, Three Rivers. Grandchildren Chloe Emerick, Brandon Emerick and his son Luca, Shelby Emerick, Brady Emerick, Nick (Ashley) Hull and their children Adalynn, Athena and Amelia, Mitch (Allyson) Hull and their children Ryker and Theodore, Heston Saunders and Lilly Saunders, sister Marty Brozo and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dave Furlong, and siblings Richard Tabaczuk, Linda Gibbs, Edward Tabaczuk, Mary Saady and Steven Tabaczuk.
Relatives and friends will be received Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 from 11 am to 12 pm at Three Rivers Church of the Nazarene. A Memorial service will follow at 12 PM with Pastor Rich Saunders officiating.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Three Rivers Church of the Nazarene.
To sign Karen’s online guest book and leave a message for the family visit
www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.
