Karen Ann Debenedet

Karen A. DeBenedet, age 69, of Livonia, passed away on August 31, 2018. She was born on June 16, 1949 in Detroit, Michigan; daughter of Ralph J. and Marjorie A. (nee Swingle) Kimble. Karen graduated from Linden High School, class of 1967. She continued her education at Michigan State University, graduating in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She moved to Northville in 1981 and made it her home for over 27 years.

Karen began her nursing career as a cardiology nurse and later an emergency room nurse in the St. Joseph Mercy health system. She then transitioned to serve as the inaugural parish nurse at First United Methodist Church of Northville. Karen also worked as a medical-legal consultant, serving the State of Michigan Attorney General’s Office for more than 20 years. Most recently, she started her own business, Patient Advocates of Michigan, where she continued caring for others.

Karen was a true matriarch and a very devoted friend. She was a master at cultivating friendships and integrating friends within her social groups. Karen found true crime trials fascinating; she liked watching documentaries and following current high-profile trials. She was an avid reader and always enjoyed reading while drinking her Starbucks. Entertaining her friends and family, keeping up with technology and being creative through interior design were other important aspects of her life. Karen was a loving and proud mother and grandmother. She cherished spending time with her granddaughters at “Camp Grammy," teaching them the importance of being kind and loving one another. And she faced her death with courage and grace.

She is survived by her son Anthony DeBenedet and his wife Anna; her daughter Millie Brooks and her husband Rowan; her mother Marjorie Kimble; her brother Joe Kimble and his partner MaryAnn Pierce; her granddaughters Ava Grace, Mia Faith, and Lola Joy; and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father.

A time of gathering will be held on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 from 3pm until 5pm with a celebration-of-life service beginning at 5pm at the First United Methodist Church, 777 West Eight Mile Road, Northville. Rev. Marsha Woolley and Rev. Douglas Vernon will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church , the San Francisco Playhouse , or the Rogel Cancer Center at the University of Michigan.