Karen Kay (Cooper) Robinson

Karen Kay (Cooper) Robinson, of Grand Blanc, Michigan, age 80, passed away July 22, 2023.

Karen was born on September 4, 1942 in Flint, Michigan. She graduated from Flint Central High School in 1960 and attended Mott Community College. Karen worked for many years at Reid’s Flower Shop in Flint and Gerych’s Greenhouse in Fenton.

Karen met her future husband, Jim Robinson, at a community school event in Flint. They were married on February 16, 1963. They had two sons, and together they enjoyed many years of camping and canoe trips, family pool parties, and entertaining friends at their home in Flint. In later years, Karen was the primary caretaker for her husband Jim as his Alzheimer’s advanced.

Karen was a force of nature. She adored spending time with her family. While she always treasured her family time, she especially loved spending time with her beloved grandchildren. Christmas was always a wonderful time for the family, and the grandchildren loved having “Grammy Claus” make an appearance every year. Karen always had a way of bringing out the Christmas magic, even in later years with both Jim’s and her declining health.

Karen enjoyed crafting, baking, and taking her SECRET recipe glazed nuts to family, friends, neighbors, and her medical caretakers. Karen loved giving gifts, and they were always wrapped with such beautiful attention to detail. She also had a flair for decorating. From the holiday decorations to the flowers in her home, she had a way of adding beauty and elegance to everything she touched.

Karen had many dear friends, but one group, known as her “Card Club,” shared the most remarkable friendship for 55 years. They started out playing cards, but that eventually evolved into a lifetime friendship of laughter, love, and support.

In 2009 Karen was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma. She refused to let the disease rule her life, and she fought a long, difficult 14 year battle. She was the epitome of strength and grace in the midst of a terrible disease. We wish to send a special thank you to the University of Michigan Sarcoma Clinic and all of the caretakers who helped Karen in her final weeks.

Karen is survived by her sons Todd (Lori Archer Stunkel) of Howell, Kyle (Kari) of Grand Blanc, grandchildren Dominic, Olivia, Konnor (Kenaniah Whisman), Kaitlyn, and Kyra, sister and best friend Judy (Bob Shearer), brothers Terry Cooper (Yvonne) and Scott Cooper (Becky Semler), many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other special friends and loved ones. She was preceded in death by her husband James Robinson (2022), parents Burel and Patricia (MacDonald) Cooper, and her sister Janet Covert. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bernard J. Danan Fund for Sarcoma Research at the University of Michigan. Checks may be made payable to “University of Michigan” and sent to 777 E. Eisenhower Pkwy., Suite 650, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Please include “In memory of Karen Robinson” in the memo line of the check or in an attached note. You may also call 734-764-6777 or visit the following link to make your gift donation. https://victors.us/karenrobinson

A Celebration of Life will be held August 18, 2023. Please contact the family for further details.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.