Karlyn Sisson
July 7th, 1936 - August 30th, 2022
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Karlyn's Obituary
Karlyn Zick Sisson passed away on August 30, 2022 at the age of 86. A longtime resident of Holland, Michigan and Bonita Springs, Florida, she was the daughter of Berrien County Michigan Circuit Court Judge Karl F. Zick and Coralyn Hull Zick. One of two college educated sisters, she graduated from Benton Harbor High School and Western Michigan University with her B.A. in Business Education. Karlyn married her husband Ronald Sisson in 1960 and they shared a loving marriage, sailing, tennis, family, and a successful family door business together for over 60 years. Karlyn is survived by her children Scott (Amy)Sisson, Ronalyn Sisson, Karin Sisson, Steve (Lauri) Sisson. Karlyn’s sister Chalene Hunkins; brother-in-law Dr. Gary (May) Sisson; grandchildren Alex (Erin) Cochrane, Lindsey (Rob) Hicks, Hayley Sisson (Jamil Pietri), Wyatt Sisson, Michael Calistri, Hannah Calistri, John MacDonald, Shari (Michael) Marchbanks, Caroline Sisson, Will Sisson, Ben Sisson; great grandchildren Ellia Cochrane, James Cochrane, Emery Hicks, Riley Hicks, Blair Marchbanks. She was predeceased by her husband Ron in 2020.
Karlyn was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Holland, Michigan, Macatawa Bay Yacht Club, Macatawa Tennis Club, Bonita Bay Tennis and Marina clubs, WMU Alumni, Holland Garden Club, Holland Literary Club, Singapore YC, and the Grand Rapids Peninsular Club. Karlyn began to play tennis in her 50s, and competed all across Florida, winning the USTA Super Senior Tennis State Championship at the 3.0 level in two consecutive years: 2001 and again in 2002. Karlyn had a passion of the piano, playing by ear everything from classical to Christmas carols to favorite Broadway hits. Karlyn also was an avid reader, a top-notch bridge player and loved watching her favorite teams and players in tennis, football and basketball, reciting game highlights and details to her children and grandchildren. She also cherished time with her large family. She worked full time, then part time as a teacher while raising her family, at various schools, including Jackson Community College, Benton Harbor High, St. Joe High, Jackson High School, Jackson Lumen Christi and Holland Community Education. Karlyn worked at their family door business, Karona Inc. in Grand Rapids, Michigan for many years until she retired. Karlyn loved to travel with her husband on business trips. They took numerous trips to Europe and many conventions in the United States throughout their thirty-five years of business ownership. She also loved to travel with her family to numerous sailing regattas throughout the United States and Canada.
The family is hosting a Celebration of Life for their parents, Ron & Karlyn Sisson, on Sunday, October 23, 2022 at the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club, 2157 S. Shore Dr., Holland, MI from 1-3 pm. A private family graveside service will be held at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to U of M Cardiology c/o Dr. Kim Eagle. Macatawa Bay Junior Association (MBJA) PO Box 189 Macatawa MI 49434. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks and Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
Karlyn was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Holland, Michigan, Macatawa Bay Yacht Club, Macatawa Tennis Club, Bonita Bay Tennis and Marina clubs, WMU Alumni, Holland Garden Club, Holland Literary Club, Singapore YC, and the Grand Rapids Peninsular Club. Karlyn began to play tennis in her 50s, and competed all across Florida, winning the USTA Super Senior Tennis State Championship at the 3.0 level in two consecutive years: 2001 and again in 2002. Karlyn had a passion of the piano, playing by ear everything from classical to Christmas carols to favorite Broadway hits. Karlyn also was an avid reader, a top-notch bridge player and loved watching her favorite teams and players in tennis, football and basketball, reciting game highlights and details to her children and grandchildren. She also cherished time with her large family. She worked full time, then part time as a teacher while raising her family, at various schools, including Jackson Community College, Benton Harbor High, St. Joe High, Jackson High School, Jackson Lumen Christi and Holland Community Education. Karlyn worked at their family door business, Karona Inc. in Grand Rapids, Michigan for many years until she retired. Karlyn loved to travel with her husband on business trips. They took numerous trips to Europe and many conventions in the United States throughout their thirty-five years of business ownership. She also loved to travel with her family to numerous sailing regattas throughout the United States and Canada.
The family is hosting a Celebration of Life for their parents, Ron & Karlyn Sisson, on Sunday, October 23, 2022 at the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club, 2157 S. Shore Dr., Holland, MI from 1-3 pm. A private family graveside service will be held at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to U of M Cardiology c/o Dr. Kim Eagle. Macatawa Bay Junior Association (MBJA) PO Box 189 Macatawa MI 49434. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks and Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
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