Obituary of Karen Nadine Holtman

Karen N. Holtman passed away on April 22, 2023 in the presence of her daughter and son-in-law with their loving touch upon her. Karen was born to Elmer and Arvetta May on August 4, 1953. She graduated from Buena Vista High School and worked for the State of Michigan in the social services department. Surviving is her only child, Amy (Jon) French; niece, Carrie Sorensen; nephew, Joshua (Amy) Sorensen; and beloved grand-dog, Stella. She was predeceased by her parents, Elmer and Arvetta May; brother, Clark; sister, Ronda Sorensen; and grand-dogs, Brutus and Lucy.

Known as “Marmee” (after the Louisa May Alcott character in Little Women) to her daughter, Amy and Karen enjoyed a close relationship. They talked on the phone daily for the past two decades. Amy remembers a cross-stitched saying on her Grandma May’s wall that said, “My mother always, now too, my friend,” which is how she thought of her mom. Karen was always Amy’s mother, but, in Amy’s adulthood, also her friend. Amy will miss her guidance, friendship, and love.

Karen enjoyed spending time with her family, being around her grand-dogs, and watching silly shows, like MTV’s Ridiculousness. Amy was privileged to have a mother who supported and cherished her. Karen raised her to be a strong woman, encouraged Amy’s professional growth, and nurtured her beliefs. A lover of history, Karen and Russ (Amy’s dad) introduced her to the subject as a toddler, which led to Amy’s career as a historian. Amy will always treasure the trips to historical sites that they shared. Their last big adventure together was in Philadelphia where they enjoyed a lovely stay in the revolutionary city. Amy is the person she is today, because of the caring and supportive mother Karen was to her.

Although they take comfort in knowing she is in the eternal reward of heaven, Karen’s family, especially Amy, grieves the loss of such an amazing woman. Karen was a bright light who brought laughter and joy to their lives, and their world is dimmer without her in it.

In Karen’s final days, she was entrusted to the care of Toni and Trish Hospice House in Auburn, Michigan. Those angels sat with her and cared for her when Amy and Jon could not be there. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Toni and Trish House, so they can continue caring for others with the same compassion and tenderness they showed Karen. https://toniandtrishhouse.org/

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 pm - 4 pm, Friday, June 23, 2023, at the Castle Museum, 500 Federal Way, Saginaw Michigan 48607   Please contact Amy at holtmancelebrationoflife@gmail.com  for details.  To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.