Karen Mary Coquillard, age 75, of Traverse City, Michigan formerly of Midland and Standish, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Munson Hospice House surrounded by family. Karen was born on November 6, 1948 in Midland to Henry and Frances (Haley) Thiel.

Karen is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Mike Coquillard and their sons Nicholas Coquillard (Wendy Sherrill, Colin and Sam) and Jake Coquillard (Jill Bilacic, Ty and Cade). Grandchildren Ty, Cade, Greer and Addison were all sources of pride and deep love. Karen is also survived by her sister Gayle Peacock (Tom Peacock) and her brother Patrick Thiel (Patricia Thiel). She was a graduate of Midland High School and attended Central Michigan University.

She married the love of her life, Mike Coquillard, on June 21, 1969, and she valued time with him more than anything – including satisfying her passion for travel, and most recently fulfilling her dream of visiting Italy together.

Karen's smile and laugh was infectious and she loved the beach, particularly Lake Michigan, and also Lake Leelanau, where she and her family camped for many years. Eternally positive, she encouraged and inspired everyone she connected with, making us laugh and pushing us all to be the best we could be. Karen also fought for people in need, donating monthly to numerous causes.

Karen loved watching and rooting on her favorite team, the Michigan State Spartans. Her and Mike watched MSU football and basketball games religiously throughout the years. They made many close friends in their community Newcomers Club. They played euchre, enjoyed cocktail hour and she especially liked playing mahjong with her girlfriends. She enjoyed home remodeling and decorating to create special spaces. Known for her humor and competitive spirit, Karen fought to win, including beating cancer early in life and living her best life with her smile and encouraging words for all during her last cancer battle.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the caring staff of Munson Hospice House for their care and compassion for Karen and supporting her entire family. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of love and sympathy may consider a memorial donation to Munson Hospice House, of Michigan, 450 Brook St., Traverse City, MI, 49684 ( www.munsonhealthcare.org/hospicehouse ) or the American Heart Association.

A visitation and memorial service honoring Karen will take place on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684. Visitation will occur from 12:00 to 1:00 pm, with a memorial service from 1:00 to 2:00 pm.

A luncheon will immediately follow at Traverse Hills Clubhouse, 3795 Eastview Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684, till 4:30 pm.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Karen's family at her tribute page, www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com/obituaries/Karen-Coquillard/#!/TributeWall .