Karen Martha Sands, age 61 of L’Anse, MI passed away on Thursday, August 16, 2012 at her daughters home in Gwinn, MI with her family by her side.

Karen was born October 5, 1950 in Ishpeming, MI daughter to Verner and Julia (Saarinen) Eskel. She grew up in Covington and graduated from L’Anse High School in 1968; then received a Bachelor Degree in Education from Northern Michigan University in 1972. She married Gary Sands and began her teaching career in Covington. They then briefly resided in Waukegan, IL where she worked at the Veterans hospital. They moved back to L’Anse where she began a 29 year career at Sacred Heart Catholic School. Teaching for 27 years in the same 3rd grade classroom, and was the principal for the past 2 years. She took great pride in teaching and even taught both of her children at Sacred Heart.

Karen was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and was very involved with helping the Knights of Columbus. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, scrabble, and loved watching movies. Karen also enjoyed helping her friend Ruth at the Crock-n-Rocker in Michigamme during her summers. She cherished her trips to visit her 5 beautiful grandchildren, and would argue with anyone that hers were the most beautiful.

Surviving are her son Michael (Stacy) Sands of Escanaba; daughter Kara (Jeremy) Applekamp of Gwinn; brother Allan (Lowella) Eskel of Covington; sister Katherine (Steve) Baur of Escanaba; five grandchildren, Alex, Sydney, Luke, Ben, and Julia; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Julia in 1998 and Verner in 2000; sister Helen Bishop in 1991; and her beloved dog Noelle.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, August 21st from 5-8 p.m. at the Jacobson Funeral Home with Rosary prayers at 7:30 p.m. followed with a time to share memories. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, August 22nd at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church; with Fr. John Longbucco officiating. Luncheon will follow in the basement of the church. A stop will be made at Sacred Heart School on the way to the cemetery to honor Karen. Burial will be in the Covington Cemetery.

Friends may sign Karen’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.