Karen Joan Pluto McCloskey was born on May 26, 1942, in her family home at 15368 Lauder Street in Detroit, Michigan. The daughter Catholic High School (Class of 1960), Karen continued her education at Detroit Memorial Hospital School of X‑Ray Technology, completing her training in 1962. Though she preferred a quiet life away from attention, her steady character and quiet leadership spoke volumes. Her peers recognized these qualities when she was elected president of the St. Louis Child Study Club, a respected women’s organization devoted to supporting the financial needs of children and families in the St. Louis public schools.
Karen served her community with humility and practicality. She volunteered with a Gratiot County food distribution program, helping packfood cartons for families in need. At Nativity of the Lord Catholic Church in St. Louis, Michigan, she served faithfully as a Minister of the Cup and gave of herself through the parish funeral luncheon ministry—cooking, organizing, and extending compassion to grieving families.
Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. On Divine Mercy Sunday in 2016, Karen consecrated her life to Mary, the Mother of God—a deeply personal devotion that reflected her trust in God’s mercy and promise of eternal life. In her final moments, surrounded by the peace and love of her entire famiy, the Blessed Virgin lovingly guided Karen to her heavenly home to meet her God face‑to‑face.
Karen was a devoted and protective mother of five (the fifth child being the author of this article). She was often described as one of the kindest and most genuine people one could meet—naturally shy, yet guided by quiet strength, firm faith, and steadfast integrity. She placed the well‑being of her family above all else, sharing her wisdom freely and shaping her children with lasting moral, spiritual, and human values.
Karen’s legacy is one of faith, humility, kindness, and selfless devotion—qualities that continue to live on in the family she loved so deeply.
Michael Joseph Patrick McCloskey was born on June 11, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, to Joseph Patrick McCloskey and Geraldine Ann Oliver. In 1944, his family moved to 23601 Canfield Drive in Farmington, Michigan, where he lived until marrying his wife, Karen, on August 22, 1964.
Michael attended Assumption College High School in Windsor, Ontario, where he graduated in June 1959 and played both football and hockey. After the passing of his father on January 28, 1962, Michael took on the responsibility of settling his father’s debts and supporting his mother. This commitment required him to work full-time, which meant pursuing college through night classes.
After ten years of perseverance, Michael became the first member of his family to earn a college degree, graduating from Mercy College of Detroit in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in English and science and a minor in math.
He went on to spend 43 years teaching high school English, history, political science, and debate, while also coaching football, basketball, wrestling, and track. Later, he coached college football, and in 1988, the team he helped lead at Alma College was inducted into the Alma College Football Hall of Fame for their championship season.
Beyond the classroom and the field, Michael was deeply involved in his community. He served as president of his teachers’ association for 16 years, sat on the Board of Directors of Mobile Medical Response in Saginaw for 17 years, and spent two years on the Gratiot County Board of Commissioners.
His lifelong faith guided his service at Saint Joseph Parish, where he served as a lector, Eucharistic minister, and catechism teacher for nearly 50 years.
Of all his accomplishments, Michael’s greatest joy has been watching his children, their spouses, and his grandchildren grow in love—learning to cherish one another unconditionally, act with respect, and put the needs of others before their own.