Karen Lacey

When the going got tough, Karen S. Lacey lived life in loving abundance, fully appreciating each new day she was granted. When most people would choose to give up or let misfortune get the best of them, Karen was there full of faith and thankful. In the end, the adversity that Karen faced throughout her life not only built her character, but it truly revealed the loving and caring woman that she was. She will be truly missed and fondly remembered for her fighting spirit and tenacity blended with her inner beauty and devotion to her family, many friends and all who knew and loved her.

The 1950s marked a quieter time full of hope and optimism in the U.S. as the World War II post-war baby boom continued. Families moved from rural areas and cities to the many neighborhood suburbs that began sprouting across America. An age of innocence, the days were also clouded with news of those involved in the Korean War overseas, but it only strengthened our nation as parents worked even harder to provide a better life for their children. And so it was for Robert and Wilda (Whitaker) Gossman of Whitestown, Indiana when on July 8, 1951 they joyfully welcomed the birth of their little girl Karen into their lives.

The eldest of four children, Karen was later joined by Sharon, Ralph and Jill. Her father provided for his bustling household as a school administrator while her mother was a homemaker. Enjoying a typical childhood growing up, Karen attended the local schools, becoming quite fond of reading, a trait she carried through to her adulthood. At an early age, she exhibited an outgoing and fun-loving personality, and while in high school, participated as a cheerleader. A bright young girl, Karen even held the title of Junior Miss in the local Indiana pageant.

Following her graduation from Zionsville High School, Karen went on to pursue an education at Ball State University where she received her B.S. in nursing. It was during her college days that Karen’s life would dramatically change when she met her life partner, Douglas Lacey. After getting together on a blind date, the two ventured to the local county fair. Their dating relationship soon formed into love, and later, they were joined in marriage. Before long, the happy couple was blessed with their own bustling household with the births of Heather, Robert, Allison and Scott. Karen reveled at being a mom and did everything for her kids. She was always there for them, cheering them on at their many sporting events where her encouraging joy and glee could be heard by all. She loved playing board and card games with her children where Karen was sure to play exactly by the rules. Many memorable times were also shared when they went blueberry picking.

Karen worked as a registered nurse at Ball Hospital before moving to Holland, Michigan in 1978. It wasn’t long before Karen found herself working in the recovery room at Holland Hospital where she remained for the next 19 years. Nursing was a blessing to Karen as she held much compassion and care for others. Her church life was also a very important factor to her. An active member of Fellowship Church, Karen was a natural and outgoing leader, and with faith as her guide, served as an elder at church. With a love for children, Karen formerly taught Sunday school and volunteered with the Kids Hope program. Well respected throughout her church community, Karen could always be counted on.

Over the years, Karen was also a talented and successful business owner operating her own direct sales consulting businesses with CAbi Clothing and handcrafted Longaberger Baskets. These endeavors brought many friends Karen’s way throughout the community, and was a perfect fit for Karen’s outgoing and genuine personality. In her spare time, Karen often sought out a good mystery book and even enjoyed a good glass of wine. She enjoyed watching sports on TV, and with a talent for sewing and knitting, she often made many of the children’s clothes when they were young. In her younger and healthier days, dancing was something she enjoyed along with many genres of music. Some of her greatest times were spent outside, taking in all that God had created.

Faith was a constant in Karen’s life through much misfortune and despair. Having been faced with the types of adversity that would often cause most people to lose hope, Karen persevered through the difficulties the family faced when while living in Muncie they experienced tornado damage to their home and being hit by a train while Doug was driving Karen to work. While living in Holland their home burnt down in 1987. Her faith and patience was most certainly tested when newborn son Scott underwent brain surgery. Her care and concern was never ending when Doug was having health issues, but at each point of despair and trial during these times, Karen continued her hope and strength in the God she looked up to. In the end, Karen was thankful to have life, and to learn from each experience.

When grandchildren came along, Karen found her greatest earthly joy and spent much time with them. Just as she cheered on her own children, Karen delighted in attending her granddaughter’s swim meets. And instead of blueberries, Karen shared with them the experience of picking apples. She absolutely loved her family and grandchildren, and building family traditions was important to her. She was always looking for new and exciting ways to make life and family togetherness memorable for all. At Christmastime, each of the grandkids enjoyed Karen’s “grandmother sleepovers” when they each spent the night.

One of the biggest challenges that Karen faced was her ongoing struggles with cancer. In 1991, she was diagnosed with a chordoma of the lower spine and in 1996 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her chordoma reappeared in 2004, 2006, and 2008. Throughout her treatments and ill health, Karen remained strong in her faith. Her courage was clearly seen as she sought to help others as a volunteer with The American Cancer Society. Following her first successful fight at the Mayo Clinic, the whole family celebrated with a family trip to Florida. She was overjoyed at the excitement and fun times the kids had. The cancer came back in 2008, this time in her liver. Even though Karen fought hard and battled long, a cure was not meant to be. At the age of 58, Karen S. Lacey died on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at the Hospice House of Holland.

Her family includes her husband of 37 years, Douglas Lacey; children: Heather and Jason Langdon of Zeeland, Robert Lacey and fiancé Debra Calvo of Holland, Allison and Eric Breuker of Tucson Arizona, Scott Lacey and Natasha Gonzalez of Holland; five beloved grandchildren; sisters and brother, Sharon and Gary Winters, Ralph and Reggie Gossman, Jill and Michael Cork; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2009, 6:00 PM at Fellowship Reformed Church of Holland, 300 North 168th Street, Holland.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 PM Friday, July 24, 2009 at The Northwood Chapel-Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home, 295 Douglas Avenue.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of Holland.

Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to sign Karen’s online guest registry, share a photo or memory or to view her life story online.