WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Karen “Mickey” M. Carling, age 68, of Sturgis, passed away Monday, Feb. 1, 2021 at her home.
She was born May 21, 1952 in Sewickley, PA. She was a daughter to the late James and Evelyn (MCCoy) Gilligan.
Karen has been a resident of Southwest Michigan most of her adult life moving here from Wireton, PA.
She received her Associate’s Degree from KCC in Battle Creek and had been employed by the Veteran’s Administration for over 25 years as a budget analyst in the I.T. Dept.
She was an avid Pittsburg Steelers fan, very proud of her Irish heritage, a person who enjoyed helping others, coordinating events, cooking, crafts, gardening, making others laugh, and always tried to bring happiness to others.
Surviving are one daughter: Casey Carling and fiancé Sam Nieves Lopez of Sturgis; one son: Chris Carling of Australia; 5 grandchildren: Lilly, Ivy, Blair, Joaquin, and Isabela Michelle; 1 sister: Patricia (Neil) Blitz of Naples, FL; 1 brother: James R. (Paula) Gilligan of Planeview, TX; and 4 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 sisters: Donna Helmbold and Kim Cooper.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021 at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 404 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091. Memorial Mass celebrating the life of “Mickey” will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, immediately following visitation, at the church with the Rev. Father Andrew Raczkowski, celebrant.
Memorial donations in her memory may be directed to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
