Karen B. Schermer

Karen B. Schermer was a longtime resident of Grand Rapids, MI, residing in East Grand Rapids and Ada. Karen passed away peacefully on November 15th, 2023. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to many. Karen was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. She moved to Grand Rapids with her parents, and attended East Grand Rapids High School where she met Robert (Bob) Schermer. She moved back to California to attend UCLA, but quickly realized she missed her high school sweetheart and transferred to Albion College to be with Bob. Karen graduated from Albion College in 1957. After college, she married her sweetheart and together they raised their four children. In addition to raising her family, Karen was a brilliant jewelry designer. She created hundreds of unique designs and shared her talents with many. Karen had a home studio where she created her own jewelry that she kindly shared with so many. Her home studio was filled with a collection of gems and stones that she collected through her travels from around the world. She was an adventurer with an unbridled joy for nature. Karen had a passion for travel and visited Europe, Asia, Australia, among many other destinations. Her travels were always shared with ones she loved, whether it was her family or dear friends. Karen and Bob enjoyed many years together on Hamlin Lake watching their children and grandchildren grow up in the beauty of northern Michigan. Together, they were early supporters of The Nature Conservancy and The West Michigan Environmental Action Council. As an avid art collector, Karen also dedicated many years to the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Karen was passionate about protecting the environment and enhancing art in the West Michigan community. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, William Brown and Helen Brown-Aves. As well as her brother, Christopher Brown, and daughter in-law, Bonnie Schermer. She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Robert Schermer, her children, Bob (Kim) Schermer, Sue (Tom) Swaney, Dave (Amy) Schermer, Jane (Terry) Hartigh, her nine grandchildren: Charlie Coats, Kirk Swaney, Bobbie (Lex) Hejna, Karen Coats, Jillian (Dan) Hoag, Stewart (Alli) Swaney, Wesley (Amanda) Schermer, Robbie (Talia) Schermer, CJ Schermer, and her four great grandchildren, Theo and Wyatt Hejna, and Remi and Jaxon Hoag. A private celebration of life will be held with immediate family. Please make any charitable donations to The Nature Conservancy, Attn: Treasury 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203 USA or the charity of your choice in memory of Karen Schermer.