June 25, 1941 - October 27, 2022

Wife of Alfred T. Bamsey, Karen Kay Bamsey, nee Vandemark, nee Wisdom, nee MacFarland, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2022, at age 81. She was a caring wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her infectious personality shined through her laughter, smile, spunk and love for life.

Karen split her childhood between Morenci and Dearborn, graduating from Fordson High School. She went on to achieve a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Karen taught Junior High English, Humanities and coordinated the annual Talent Show. She later held various Administrative and Managerial positions around the Metro Detroit area.

Karen was married to William A. MacFarland from 1969-1979. They had two children, Will and Amy. She married Alfred T. Bamsey in 1980, gaining two step-sons, Scott and Craig. Karen loved to laugh, enjoyed music (she played piano from 5 years old), flowers, walking barefoot in ocean waves, and poetry. Karen was a church Chancel Choir member and sometime soloist. She was an avid reader and life-long lover of art and literature. Karen always had time for a chat, or a bite to eat at one of her favorite restaurants, particularly if they served cheeseburgers.

She is preceded in death by her brother Andrew Wisdom and her husband Alfred T. Bamsey. Karen is survived by her son, Will MacFarland (Mari-Cris), Daughter Amy Heikkila (Michael), step sons Scott Bamsey (Angie) and Craig Bamsey (Janine), 8 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The loss of her smile and wit will leave an empty space in the world, and she will be greatly missed. A memorial service was held at First United Methodist in Ann Arbor, on Monday, November 21, 2022. Please consider donating in Karen’s name to the Alzheimer Association at www.alz.org