Karen Ann Pierson

Age 80, of Lansing, MI, passed away peacefully June 18, 2022. She was born October 4, 1941. Karen and her twin sister, Karol, were 2 of 5 daughters born to Perry E. and Winifred P. (Leadley) Converse. Karen was preceded in death by sister Marilyn Spindler and sister Shirley Sharp. She is survived by her twin, Karol L. (Lance R.) Lynch, and sister Kathy Prout.

A lifelong resident of the Lansing area, Karen graduated from Lansing Eastern High School; Quakers-class of 1959.  Continuing her education at Michigan State University, as a Spartan she earned both a B.A. and Master’s Degree in Education.

A devoted wife of over 60 years to husband Jim and loving mother to sons Timothy J. (Yuko) and Matthew T. (Maryann). Doting Nana of 5 grandkids: Thomas, Joseph, Piper, Paige, and Daniel. Aunt Karen to many nieces and nephews.

Karen was a teacher in the Lansing School District for over 30 years, having taught at Post Oak, Maple Hill, and Cavanaugh Elementary schools. She was passionate about helping kids learn and wouldn’t hesitate to go above and beyond to assist a student who was struggling.

Karen enjoyed spending time through the years at Torch Lake. She held an extensive collection of giraffe-themed art.  She was a loyal fan of her Spartans of Michigan State. For decades you could find her (and Jim) sitting in their season ticket seats at either Spartan Stadium or Munn arena (sometimes both in the same day) rooting for an MSU win. She always looked forward to her extended stay down in Venice, Florida, looking for sharks’ teeth with her grandkids, getting together with longtime friends and especially waiting for the “green flash” when the 3 amigas were hosting sunset dinner on Manasota Beach.

Karen also enjoyed planning events and hosting family gatherings. She was always eager to plan Thanksgiving with her sisters and host at their home in Bath. She was known for facilitating the annual “College Bowl Game” pool; a task she mastered only using a pen, paper and copy machine. No need for a spreadsheet and internet. Planning the annual Converse Family Christmas with her twin sister, Karol, was what she looked forward to planning the most.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, June 26, 2022, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Old Newsboys Association.

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11 Messages to “Karen Ann Pierson

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Barbara (Landells) Kuerbitz
June 22, 2022 at 10:03 am

My deepest condolences to Jim and all of Karen’s family on her passing. I was absolutely shocked to find that she has now left us. Karen was a good high school friend and fellow reunion planner. Always a delightful and compassionate friend who was gifted. Cannot believe she is gone.
God Bless You All.

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Barb Wicks
June 22, 2022 at 11:49 am

Our deepest condolences to your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Peace and Blessings to Lance and Karol and Matt and Maryann.

Mark and Barb Wicks

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Sally Burke
June 22, 2022 at 3:56 pm

I so enjoyed volunteering with Karen at the hospital gift shop. She was a fun lady.

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Pam Zopf
June 23, 2022 at 10:19 am

Jim, so very sorry to hear of Karen’s passing. We always enjoyed running in to you both when we were out and about. Hugs to all of you. She was a sweet lady. Pam and Steve Zopf

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Laurie Patterson
June 23, 2022 at 10:40 am

I will really miss my cousin Karen. I tried to get over to see her and Jim when I visited my mom in Michigan. My heart and prayers are with the rest of my living family during this time. Find peace with memories of her.

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Joan Webster
June 23, 2022 at 2:35 pm

Fourth grade classmates to college roommates, a long lasting friendship. My condolence to her entire family. If Karen is a friend she is a friend forever. Always able to see the best in everyone and always ready with a smile. She is missed and loved by many. May she rest in eternal peace.

Joan Dines Webster

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Russell Jenks
June 23, 2022 at 8:47 pm

Jim, I’m so sorry to hear of Karen’ passing. She was a caring, loving person and leaves a legacy for all to cherish. May she rest in peace.

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Vicki Van Atta
June 24, 2022 at 10:56 am

Fairin’ with Karen, going to our favorite restaurant, which we called “Rent a Booth”, all the summer travels, twenty five plus years of Wharton Center, Boarshead, Town Hall, all the walk/talks, getting each other “useless utensils” every year for Christmas, the years of cards we sent to each other via the LSD courier services, discussing politics, the books we read, the movies we saw together. Such incredible memories. Karen was the best of the best. She will forever be in my heart. I was so lucky to have her as a BFF.

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Royce Mathis
June 26, 2022 at 11:12 am

You will truly be missed.

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Thomas Hoffmeyer
July 1, 2022 at 2:31 pm

Dear Jim and family….my deepest condolences. I am sorry that I was not in town on Sunday to express my feelings personally. Karen was a joy to be around. My reflections go back to junior high school and then Eastern High school. Although our paths have not crossed recently, I have kept reasonably up to date via Lance at our pre pandemic weekly breakfasts. Wishing you all peace and blessings. Tom Hoffmeyer

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Melody Potter
July 2, 2022 at 9:26 pm

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family!! May all the great memories live in your hearts forever ! Blessings, The Potters

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