Karen Elizabeth Belonga, age 47, of 37 Sandy Lane, Gladstone, passed away Monday, November 15, 2010 at her residence following a lengthy illness with cancer.
Karen was united in marriage on November 24, 1995 in Gladstone to John Belonga.
Loving and devoted mother to Jessica, Katelyn and Amanda.
Beloved daughter of Betty Corbett (late Jack).
Will be sadly missed by sisters Teresa Corbett (Chris) and Jackie Musselman (Jay).
Daughter-in-law of Jack & Georgia Belonga, sister-in-law of Mary Dumas (Matt) of St. Ignace.
Karen will be remembered fondly by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Remembered fondly by cousin and friend Laurie Dawson.
Her nursing career included working as a Nursing Supervisor in Saint Ignace and most recently at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.
Special thank you to the caregivers, neighbors, and the Grace Church Congregation for the love and support for Karen and her family during her illness.
Funeral services celebrating the life of Karen Belonga will be held on Friday November 19, 2010 at 2:00 PM at the Grace Church in Gladstone. Committal will follow at the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. Luncheon will follow at the Grace Church Fellowship Hall. Memorial contributions in memory of Karen may be directed to the Grace Church or to the Delta County Cancer Alliance.
Anonymous
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Stacy Casey
Gladstone, MI
We live across the street from Lois and Rock. You could not find a nicer couple to have for neighbors. Both of them, so friendly and always there to lend a helping hand if needed..Lois was a wonderful person and truly will be missed by many..If there is anything we an do for any of you please feel free to just ask or call… John and Sue Pilon (Lot 11)
John and Sue Pilon
Escanaba, MI
Pam,Paula and Rocky so sorry to hear about your loss. Lois will be missed by all of us who knew her. She gave us many laughs.Pam if you need anything call. Wish I could make it to her service I’m sure there will be many more laughs as everyone remembers her! Love you
Connie(Richer) & Craig Dhein
Jackson, WI
Grandpa…. Definitely miss you a lot. Tons of memories to hold on to, yet there is still an empty feeling.. I am sure you will be always watching down upon us every step of the way. Had a drink for you last night too… Brandy and water just like we use to share when I sat on your knee. Love and miss you lots grandpa!
Nick Pinar II
Gladstone, MI
I send my deepest sympathy to Karen’s family at this time of loss. Karen was one of the special nurses that dedicated their lives to the care of others. May you find comfort in this scripture: “God will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will mourning, outcry nor pain be any more.” (Revelation 21:3,4) The day is coming when “no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24)
Jeanne
Howell, MI
A life lived can only be measured by the impacting and enduring legacy one leaves with those who’s paths were crossed along the journey. Karen’s trek through life passed me many times through the years, and I thank our heavenly Father for the many encounters and special memories. I knew Karen for 35 years and I must state that not a finer person was ever known to me, and I’m assured to others. I will miss my special friend very much..but, I hope, no I know, her life’s footprint will continue to inspire those she touched yesterday and tomorrow.
Jess, Katie, and Amanda: she loves you all very much and always will. Your honor to her is to stand tall, be brave, and never stop following your dreams. Just as she did!
BH
Sault Ste Marie, MI
My prayers go out to Karen’s family. I worked with Karen many years ago and she was a nice, caring person and a wonderful nurse.
Laura(Ocha)Anderson
Gladstone, MI
I got to know Karen about eight years ago, she was warm and loving and really loved her family. She will be missed
Cindi Tucker
Van Buren, AR
To the Belonga family: I had the chance to work with Karen at OSF. One of the memories I have was when she was hospitalized during xmas and two of my friends and I went to the gift shop and we got a Xmas tree and a gift for her . She was a wonderful person and will be missed by many who had the chance to know her.
Robin
Gladstone, MI
John, Jessica, Katie, & Amanda & family
So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I had the opportunity to get to know Karen through work at St. Francis Hospital. Loved seeing her when she was supervisor. Always calm and well spoken. She will be missed.
Tammy Stenson
Gladstone, MI
So sorry to hear of your loss.Our prayers and thoughts are with all of your family John.
Olive and Dale Hillier sr
Marquette, MI
My name is Carin Glassford (Groger) and I went all through elementary and high school with Karen. We had a special bond in Tarentorus being the only two Karens around. I remember the teacher calling on “karen” in class and we would often cover for each other and answer the questions if the other one didn’t know it. We had a special bond us two. I smile when I think of Karen and the fun we had laughing, playing sports and of course, whispering about the boys. We used to play in her big ol’ farm house along with her two awesome sisters, Theresea and Jackie.
I see from the announcement that Karen was mother to 3 girls which I am too. Another bond between us Karens.
My condolences to the family and I hope that Karen is more comfortable now and resting peacefully .
Sincerely,
Carin Glassford
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
John & family,
My deepest heart felt sympathy goes to you and the girls.
Karen was an exceptional lady who will be missed.
Carol Rowland-Vas
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
I met Karen in elementary school, and knew her throughout high school.My condolences go out to to her entire family. May God’s grace sustain you.
Tammye Coutu Whitfield
Aurora, IL.
John, girls and Corbett family,
We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you during these difficult times.
Lisa, Steve, Alex and Sam Vanelst
Oshawa, ON
I have great memories of Karen from Tarentorus Public School and growing up together. Karen was a beautiful girl with many talents and a passion for all she did and I know you are going to miss her dearly. My condolences to her Mom and sisters, husband and her children.
May you find strength in each other in this most difficult time.
Kathryn (Dionisi) Paquette
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Soft voice and sweet heart, always willing to help.You helped me take lessons at StrathClair and buy my first horse. Memories I will cherish.
Friend and schoolmate
Anne Johnstone
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
I was very sad to hear that Karen had lost her long struggle to survive for her family.
She was a very special person, and my heart goes out especially to her mom Betty, and sisters Theresa and Jackie, also her husband and three beautiful girls.
I remember Karen as a girl of devout faith, and so kind and thoughtful of others. Her grandma Iva will be welcoming her with love and kisses and her grandpa Jack.
Rest in peace, Karen.
We’ll never forget you.
Mary Welton
Sault Ste. Marie, MI
John and family,
I am very sorry for your loss.
Kevin R Denecke
Escanaba, MI
John~Jess~and girls
I am so saddened to see that Karen passed away. I thank God for having the blessing of knowing her, she was such a wonderful lady; and still is a wonderful lady up in heaven with God, in her real home. We aren’t meant to be here on earth forever, but in our real home with God. We just don’t understand why things happen when and why they do, but someday we will. She completed her job here, which she did very well, and now God has taken her home. Even though it hurts everyone here, just remember that she is in such a more better place than we are. You will have her in your hearts and memories forever. I pray that with the love of God, family and friends you’s will all get through this very difficult time. Wish i could have come to the funeral to see you’s all, but I had to work; but your in my thoughts and prayers. God’s Blessings to you all.
Cindy Constantino
Rapid River, MI
Punky, Jack, Matt, and families
So sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. Don’t remember working with her, but do remember her being married to your son, who was in the State Police.
Anyway, God’s blessings during this difficult time and prayers to you and the families.
Mark Carlson
Saint Ignace, MI
Karen was a brave woman, mother, and nurse. She fought the good fight and each of us who knew her are better people because of her in some way. She had a warm smile and a kind word for everyone whether they deserved it or not. I loved working with Karen. Girls, she always spoke so highly of you and showed us pictures of you proudly. The world is a better place because Karen was here and left her mark on us.
Jane Christenson
Daggett, Mi
John and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Karen’s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. She will be missed.
Greg, Kelly, Connor and Kylie Hetrick
Newberry, MI
Karen was such an inspiration to me…so faith filled, such an encouragement even when she struggled. I am celebrating her “homegoing” even as I share the sorrow her family is experiencing. What a special lady!
Judy Vader
Escanaba, MI
John and girls, We are so sorry for your loss.
Our sympathy and love.
Fred and Ada Knauf
Gladstone, MI
Our thoughts and prayers are with you John, Katie and Amanda.
Debbie, Jenae and Ashley Edwardsen
Gladstone, MI
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Karen was a special lady and we are all going to miss her beautiful smile and positive attitude! She was a great friend and neighbor and we will all miss her. We are here for you anytime!!!
Mark, Tracy, Ashley & Eli Lektzian
Gladstone, MI
A childhood friend and a member of a great community of family, Karen was always one to take time to listen to others. She was an incredible personality who brought the spirit of peace into the lives of all who knew her. Although I have not spoken to her in decades, my childhood memories of her are as special as anything I can remember. She was always full of radiant love, and loved by all who knew her – what a legacy to be remembered by.
Ron M. Wood
Cape Coral, FL
Karen will be sadly missed by many, she was a very special person and a wonderful mother and touched many people. Our deepest sympathy and our thoughts are with you all at this time. God Bless you all.
The Winkelbauer Family
Gladstone, MI
We’re so sorry for your loss, your family is in our thoughts and prayers always.
JT, Beth Ann, Abby & Trevor Edwards
Germfask, MI
Sad & sorry for the loss Karen. I hope in a time like this you find the warmth from your dear friends and family.
Kathleen Gustafson
Gladstone, MI
you left this life with all of us way to soon.
we will miss you! You were one of the many strong in all you had to endure. My promise to you is to help look after your girls. Rest in pease Karen with love.
Theresa Madden
Gladstone, MI
John, Katie, Amanda & Jessica, We are so sorry to hear the passing of Karen.What a tragedy this is for your family.We hate that this had to happen. This must be terribly hard for you all.We want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.Our deepest sympathy.
Jeff, Crystal, Kevin & Amanda Racine
Gladstone, MI