Karen Miller

Karen Lee Miller lived a heart-centered life that spanned the depths of many powerful emotions. A beautiful woman who felt deeply and who possessed a very quick wit, Karen was easily both outgoing and hilarious and cutting and sarcastic. While her crazy, loud, sharp-tongued ways could be rude and even mean, for those who knew her best, that was who she was and why they loved her. Karen was real, she was theirs, and she was loved. Though her days were far too few, Karen’s legacy will live on in the hearts and lives of those she treasured most.

Growing up in the Metro Detroit suburb of Westland during the 80s and 90s, Karen’s father provided for the home by working in machine maintenance, while her mother worked as a housewife. Along with her sisters, Michelle and Tina, Karen enjoyed long days playing in the sandbox, swimming, playing with her dolls, and watching cartoons. She loved to climb trees and often sought their shelter when hiding from her parents. It was a good and happy childhood.

As a teen, Karen spent a good deal of time roller skating and riding horseback with her cousins Caira and Penny. She especially enjoyed singing karaoke and going to movies and spending as much time with her many, many girlfriends including Jennifer and Lyndsay.

After completing her formal education in 10th grade, Karen began working odd jobs. She painted, worked drywall, and babysat. She loved children and animals and made many treasured memories spending time with her niece and nephews. The kids loved that she was always willing to play games with her. Destiny, Devin, Anthony, Justin, Tyler, and Brandon were her heart’s delight. Her great-niece Zoey was one of her best friends and the two could often be found joyfully dancing and singing together.

When boys came into the picture Karen had a couple cute little boyfriends such as Jeff and Tim. Early in adulthood, Karen began dating her friend Scott Miller. The young couple was soon blessed to welcome their son Jordan into their lives. Karen adored her son and loved being his mother. In 2001, she and Scott married and Jordan stood in their wedding ceremony. Later their daughter Hailey completed their family when she arrived in September.

Born with special needs, Hailey required a lot of care as she was often sick. Not long after Karen and Scott divorced, Hailey became quite ill and required around the clock care. With a powerful commitment to their daughter, Karen and Scott worked together to provide Hailey as much comfort as they could. Unfortunately, after eight short years of life, Hailey lost her fight and passed away.

In the wake of the loss of Hailey, Karen’s grief spiraled her life out of control. In time, she was able to pull her way out of despair and began to find happiness again. It was a gift for all who loved her to have their happy-go-lucky, sassy and sarcastic Karen back. She loved watching Netflix, especially “Penny Dreadful,” and any genre of music.

Regardless of her struggles, Karen’s pride and joy was her son Jordan; she loved him more than he could ever know. Karen wanted nothing more than for Jordan to find his greatness--the greatness she so easily saw. She wished for him to find his strength, stand up for himself, and become a happy, healthy, self-reliant young man. She even dreamed he would one day have a wonderful family of his own. Without a doubt, Jordan is the reflection of the very best of Karen’s legacy.

Recently, Karen rekindled an old flame and found herself very happy. It was wonderful to see her heart so light and her eyes looking towards her future with hope and excitement. Unfortunately, time was too short to see where they would end up.

Clearly, the world is duller in the absence of Karen’s bright light. May it afford deep comfort to know that each of us carries the best of her loving legacy in our hearts and memories. With each cherished memory we share, moment we dance with abandon, laughter we inspire, and hardship we endure, we celebrate Karen’s life and keep her spirit rippling out into the world where it will continue to touch, move, and inspire others.

Karen Lee Miller passed away September 11, 2018. Loving mother of Jordan Russell and the late Hailey Miller. Beloved daughter of Michael and Connie Russell. Dear sister of Michelle (Robert) Clifton, adopted sister Ruth Miklaski and the late Tina Russell. A visitation will be held Saturday 3-6 pm until service begins at 6 pm, Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 30200 Five Mile Rd., Livonia.