Karen Gonda Rashewsky, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully at the age of 65 on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 surrounded by her family, from complications of a bone marrow transplant. She is survived by her daughters, Stephanie (Mark) Jesin, and Jennifer (Abe) Cohen, and her grandson, Mitchell Cohen, all of Grand Rapids, MI. Also surviving are her brothers, Les (Casey) Gonda, Doug (Tamara) Gonda, and Chris (Laura) Gonda. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mitchell. Karen was a Special Education teacher for more than 35 years, with the Grand Rapids Public School District, working with children and adolescents who were physically and otherwise health impaired. She was passionately committed to her students, striving every day to take them as far as they could go. She received her BA from the University of Michigan, and her MA from Michigan State University. She loved adventure, travel, great conversation, and above all, time with friends and family. We will miss her warmth, compassion, curiosity, intelligence, wisdom, and steadfast love for her family and friends, more than words can express. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, May 20, 11:00 a.m. at St. Robert of Newminster Church, 6477 Ada Drive, Ada. Rev. Joe Fix and Rev. Leonard Sudlik co-celebrating. Interment Cascade Cemetery. The family will meet with friends and relatives one hour prior to Mass at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Karen’s name to Artists Creating Together, which empowers individuals with disabilities to learn, grow and celebrate through the arts; 1140 Monroe Ave NW #4101, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
