- Date Of Birth: June 18, 1961
- Date Of Death: June 2, 2016
- State: Michigan
Karma, born Paula Dee DeShong on June 18, 1961, “shouted the words” on June 2, 2016. She lived her entire life in Kalamazoo. Karma was proudly eccentric, witty, and infectiously jovial. She was a loving daughter, sibling, and friend, and she loved animals, especially the many cats she shared her life with over the years.
Karma’s interests were wide ranging, and her passions were deep. Always creative, she dedicated much of her time to her painting, sculpture, and other art. She was fascinated by architectural design, particularly that of buildings and bridges, and intrigued by what she thought of as the personalities of cities and geographical regions. She enjoyed movies, and all kinds of music, particularly that of Roy Orbison, Pink Floyd (especially “Dark Side of the Moon”), and Michael Jackson. She faced and overcame great adversity in her life, which gave her deep empathy for all those who struggle and suffer.
She was extraordinarily generous, continually seeking to improve the lives of other people and animals. Surviving are her mother: Dolores Bogema DeShong of Kalamazoo; two brothers: Scott (Anne Flammang) DeShong, Mark (Nancy) DeShong; sister: Penny (Doug Strong) DeShong-Strong; nieces and nephew: Christy DeShong, Casey (Steven) Haddock, and Andrew (Megann Larson) DeShong; grandnephews: Peyton Larson and Isaac Paul DeShong; aunt: Beverly (Bill) VandenBroek; uncle: Larry (Mary) Bogema; and many cousins. Preceding her in death were her father: Paul DeShong; and grandparents: Dewey and Lucy Bogema.
