Karlene Phoenix

Karlene Phoenix, aged 84 years, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 31, 2023. Karlene was the beloved wife of Wayne Phoenix. She was born on September 14, 1938 in Jackson, Michigan.

Karlene was a true trailblazer, who lived a very full life. She began her career at Michigan Bell as a telephone operator/supervisor. She then transferred to Southern Bell in Miami, Florida as a Manager of Personnel. She later advanced to become the Manager of Education for Southern Bell/AT&T for the state of Florida. She was a well-respected and knowledgeable leader in the communications field.

An adventurous spirit, she and Wayne loved to travel and see the world together. She loved spending sunny days at the beach and then going home to host delicious dinner parties for her friends and family, featuring all her favorite recipes. She had a talent for arts and crafts, creating beautiful works of art throughout her lifetime.

One of Karlene’s favorite things was being a grandmother. She shined while ceaselessly creating magical moments and memories for her grandchildren.

She will always be remembered for her joyous spirit, keen sense of humor, and her twinkling blue eyes that would light up any room.

Along with her husband of 40 years Wayne Phoenix, she is survived by;

stepdaughters: Jennifer Alspector (Brian), grandchildren, Reese, Madison, and Andrew; Marcia Patten, grandchildren Adam (Courtney), great grandchildren, Thomas, Sara and Grace;  sons, Tim Lycke (Blanca), grandchildren, Christian (Jessica), Ashley; Jeff Fatowe (Monica), grandchild, Morgan; Brother, John Beyer (MaryAnn); nephew, Johnny and niece, Elizabeth; sister-in-law, Phoebe Daunais; nieces and nephews, Cindy, Debby, and Kenny.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, April 24 at 10:30 at Franke at Seaside in the Burgess Center, 1500 Franke Dr., Mt. Pleasant.

We invite you to make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association in Karlene’s honor, in lieu of sending flowers.

The family wishes to thank all of Karlene’s caretakers over the last few years for their love, support and kindness as well as the Franke Keil Center for caring for her in her final days.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.