Obituary of Karen Denise McKay
Karen Denise McKay was born in Canton, Ohio on March 13, 1951 to Melva Sumney. Shortly after birth she would be placed in foster care. Karen, however, would soon be adopted by William McKay and Naomi (Clark) McKay. She grew up in the Kalamazoo area of Michigan and following graduation would attend Western Michigan University. A member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, the group remained close to her heart throughout her life. Karen took the opportunity to study abroad to obtain her teaching certificate, earning her Bachelor Degree in Education.
At an outdoor wedding on August 14, 1992, Karen, married Michael David Hoydic. For many years she attended St. Mary Catholic Church. Most recently, she was a faithful member of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. Karen was a staunch God-Loving and God-Fearing woman. She practiced her faith in many ways including singing in the choir – making sure to spread a cheerful noise and participating in other performances.
Although she was very private with her own affairs, Karen was the smiling, familiar face that could be counted on. She loved to laugh, and choosing to be happy she always saw the good in everything. For ten years she worked as an Area Manager for the Child Care Network – Bright Horizons. In this capacity she worked to assist agencies with setting up childcare programs, obtaining licensure, and remaining compliant. She was instrumental in establishing Day Care at the Monroe YMCA.
As much as Karen enjoyed the opportunity to work with children she was just as much a pet lover. She had been employed with Lucky Puppy and Pet Watch and had trained dogs as well. After retirement she continued staying active as a dog walker. She often joked that her passion for four-legged companions came from the reality that they couldn’t talk back. In many circles, Karen was known as the “Dog Whisperer”.
Karen loved to watch her granddaughter play volleyball, never missing a tournament. She was a college basketball fanatic spending countless hours on the couch with Michael watching March Madness.
Karen Denise McKay, age 70, of Monroe passed away at home on Sunday; December 19, 2021. She was under the care of Elara Caring Hospice. Her passing was preceded by her stepfather: Harold Jost; birth mother: Melva (Sumney) Pellini; adopted father: William McKay; and adopted mother: Naomi McKay.
To cherish her memory she leaves her beloved husband of twenty-nine years: Michael David Hoydic; three children: Autumn (Christopher) Barnett of Monroe, Heather (Justin) Roberts of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Benjamin McKay-Anaya of Florida; three stepsons: David (Amy) Hoydic of Brooklyn, Michigan, Steven Hoydic of Marco Island, Florida, and Jeffrey (Sharon) Hoydic of Deltona, Florida; one sister: Rebecca (Jack) Freed of New Castle, Pennsylvania; one brother: Richard Pellini of New Castle, Pennsylvania; and nine grandchildren: Jonah Roberts, Trinity Sieb, Derrick Roberts, Tucker Sieb, Amelia Roberts, Devin, Davis, Alexus and Cyndi.
Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 6:00pm on Sunday; January 2, 2022 at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. She will lie-in-state from 10:00am until a Celebration of Her Life at 11:00am on Monday; January 3, 2022 at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church; 14260 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161. Pastor Roy Southerland will officiate. Cremation will take place through Covenant Cremation of Erie. Private inurnment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Project Second Chance, United Way of Monroe and Lenawee County, Paws for a Cause, or One Woman Many Lakes. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.
