Karen J. Choate

April 29, 1954 - January 7, 2020

Karen J. Choate, age 65, of Marysville, formerly of Saginaw, passed away unexpectedly on January 7, 2020. She was born April 29, 1954 to the late Howard and Natalie Choate. Karen was a graduate of Saginaw Valley State in April of 1976. She received her law degree, and a Master's in Urban Planning in 1979 from St. Louis University in Missouri.Following Law School, Karen practiced civil rights law for over 30 years. While in Saginaw,Karen was an active member of St. Mary’s Cathedral, and a Commissioned Lay Minister for the Diocese of Saginaw.Under Bishop Untener she sat on the Bishops Advisory Council. When Karen moved to the Blue Water Area,Karen became a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, St. Clair. In her free time Karen loved writing poetry. She was a proud member of River Junction Poets and won multiple awards from the Michigan Poetry Society. She was published in Imagine a World - an anthology of poetry for peacemakers. Karen was an advocate for Life--in all its forms. She felt St. Peter would welcome her to heaven for her work on behalf of children, the disabled, the elderly, and homeless. Even from confinement in her room for almost 8 years, Karen's Prayer Warrior status was strong, and she influenced all who met and cared for her! Karen- "May you rest in peace, and rise in glory!' She is survived by her sister, Sharon Choate; (second mother), Kay Williams; goddaughter, Katherine Howard; Martin Choate, and many loving family members and friends. A funeral mass will be Monday, January 13 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, St. Clair with Fr. Greg Deters to officiate. Visiting hours will be Sunday, January 12 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Young Funeral home, China Twp. as well as from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. at church prior to mass on Monday. Deacon Tim Maxwell will lead a rosary on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place Tuesday, January 14 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Andrews Cemetery, Saginaw. Memorials are suggested to the wishes of the family/ or a charity of your choice. To leave a message of comfort visit www.youngcolonial.com