Karen Keljo Tracy passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, at the age of 77 in Cortlandt Manor, New York, where she had recently relocated from Michigan to be closer to her daughter.

Born in DeKalb, Illinois, Karen spent most of her life in Michigan, building a life defined by intellectual curiosity, creativity, and devotion to family, church, and community.

Karen earned her PhD in Psychology from Southern Illinois University and also holds degrees from the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. She dedicated more than 30 years as a professor at Marygrove College, where she was an accomplished scholar and a beloved mentor, leaving a lasting impact on many lives.

Karen was deeply generous with her time and resources in support of her community. She was also an avid reader who loved libraries and bookstores, found inspiration in nature—especially in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the Great Lakes—and expressed her passions through poetry, drawing and painting. She was also an admirer of art and music, and a devoted fan of Bob Dylan.

She loved and cherished her family and is survived by her husband, Gary Darke; her children, Ken Tracy (Alison Tracy) and Christina Tracy (Davis Connelly); her grandchildren Helen, Freddy, Scout, and River; and her siblings David and Kurt Keljo. Her husband Gary’s family, whom she embraced as her own, includes children Douglas Darke (Kristi Darke) and Tamara Yonkus (Craig Yonkus), as well as grandchildren Dustin, Adrian, Logan, David, and Steven, and great-grandchildren Dominic, Lyra, and Fritz. She was predeceased by her parents, Karlo and Eunice Keljo—whose Finnish heritage she took great pride in—and her stepson, Daniel Darke.

A memorial service will be held at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help feed those in need or by planting a tree in her honor.

Karen will be remembered for her intellect, artistry, generosity, and the deep love she held for her family and community.

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