Karen (Porterfield) Cimeley age 73 passed away on November 24 at her home. Karen was born in Northville, Michigan in 1947.
Karen had an incredible passion for helping people. She would give others whatever she had to help them. Karen was loved and respected by her family, friends, the community and her neighbors. Karen grew up in Colorado Springs and eventually settled in Traverse City, Michigan to be near her daughters after the tragic loss of her youngest daughter. Karen was very much known for her love of and incredible talent for baking and cooking. She baked desserts for a local restaurant. Years ago, while living in Colorado, she baked cinnamon rolls and sold them to restaurants. You were never at her house when there was not something she was cooking or baking.
Karen is preceded in death by her parents Earl and Gudrun (Nelson) Porterfield, and her daughter Katie.
Karen is survived by a sister Sandra Shunk (Mike) and a brother LeRoy Porterfield (Charlotte) as well as daughters Lisa Porterfield and Kristi Gawne (Mark)and sons Ryan Tucker and Kevin Cimeley. Karen is also survived by grandchildren Melissa Pearson, Miranda Johnson, Andrew Gawne and Zachary Protsman as well as 5 great-grandchildren.
In Lieu of flowers, Karen would be happy if you donated to The Father Fred Organization in Traverse City.
A Summer celebration of life will be planned to honor, celebrate and remember Karen.