Kathleen Marlene (Karban) Stephenson, 74, of Allegan went to live for eternity with
her heavenly father on Saturday, June 3, 2017, while being given superior care at Wings Home in Allegan.
Kathleen was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor with no real cure, on Feb.
16, 2017.
Kathleen graduated from West Technical High School in Cleveland, Ohio, in June of 1960, and from Kalamazoo Valley Community College nursing program in 1980. She held a Critical Care Registered Nurse designation, as well as ACLS certification. She worked in intensive critical care units at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo and Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, until retiring at the age of 69.
Kathleen was very spiritual and heavily involved at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Allegan participating in Council of Catholic Women functions, as well as playing piano and singing in the choir at the 11 a.m. Mass for many years.
One of her favorite activities was helping to make hundreds of fruit pies every summer with the "CCW Pie Ladies" group that were sold at the Holiday Bazaar each November.
Music was one of Kathleen's greatest passions. She began playing piano at age 3 and played in the school orchestra and as a soloist, as well as accompanying other students in their competitions.
Kathleen loved to attend musical theatre and watching movie musicals. Kathleen's love for music became a large part of her relationship with her granddaughter, Madissen. Kathleen's love of music engendered the same love of music in Madissen, who has become not only a pianist, but also a talented cellist. This provided Kathleen untold pride, satisfaction, and happiness.
Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, Edward H. and Eleanor A. Karban; her older brother Edward; her younger brothers, David and
Daniel; and her older sister Marie (Karban) Lamberg.
Kathleen is survived by her husband of more than 41 years, Michael K. Stephenson; her daughter Lorell K. Vacha; and her son, Vincent T. Vacha, along with Vincent's wife Sharon E. Vacha and their daughter-Kathleen's granddaughter Madissen A. Vacha. She is also survived by her older sister Eleanor D. Karban; her brother, Joseph Karban and his wife Kathie.
Kathleen's life was one of compassion and generosity. She always made time to help her family and friends. She was a lady of grace and gentility, loving her family and friends unconditionally and completely.
She lived her life with deep spirituality and faith in God our heavenly Father. She did not abandon her beliefs throughout her illness, but continued to remain calm and steadfast in her beliefs because she knew she was going to live life eternal in heaven with God her father.
A rosary will be at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 110 N. Cedar St., Allegan, MI 49010, on Tuesday, July 11, at 7 p.m. A memorial mass will be at the church on Wednesday, July 12, at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of their beloved Kathleen to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010, marked for their Wings Home.
.