Edna Karpinski

Edna Mae Karpinski passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026, at Genesis Tender Care, surrounded by her loving family and caring staff. She was born on March 28, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, to Stephen and Josephine (Gizowski) Mark. On June 8, 1957, Edna married her best friend, Donald (Don) Zigmundt Karpinski. Together, they shared 68 wonderful years of marriage, building a beautiful life and a lasting legacy. Edna had a true passion for the outdoors and loved nothing more than a hard day’s work in her garden, followed by a cold, well-deserved beer. She found joy in life's simple pleasures: flowers, butterflies, waterfalls, snowmen, white wine, and traditional Polish food. Some of her happiest moments were spent "Up North" at The Property, where she loved playing cards, sitting by a warm fire, and engaging in deep conversations with family and friends. Believing deeply in the importance of community, Edna actively volunteered for various organizations, including the Girl Scouts, the Warren Beautification Commission, the Warren Planning Commission, and Healthorama. Edna possessed a rare and special gift—she made you feel like you were the only person in the room. She always showed up, and she was always your biggest cheerleader. Though known for having cold hands and a warm heart, her compassionate, fierce spirit was infectious and warmed everyone around her. Edna was the beloved wife of Don; wonderful mother of Karen (Tim), Carol (Craig), Sue (Tom), and Sharon; cherished grandma of Jacqueline (Kristen), Michael (Breanne), Cassondra (Kirk), Kayla (Brandon), Samantha (Sam), Daniel (Kelly), Matthew, and Chelsea; and proud great-grandma of Jack, Sydney, Kelvin, Sammy, Adalynn, Ella, Milli, Sawyer, Kenna, Corben, and Elena. She was also the amazing best friend of Betsy (Tony) Buzzelli, and is survived by many loving extended family members, dear neighbors, friends, and her beloved fur-grandchildren and fur-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Stephen and Josephine Mark; her siblings, Mitchell Mark and Anna Pietroski; her father and mother-in-law, Ziggy and Mary Karpinski; and her son-in-law, Tom Woudstra. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Genesis Tender Care, who truly became family. Your compassionate care, genuine kindness, and support throughout Edna’s journey will never be forgotten. In addition, Debbie from Comfort Care Home Care was instrumental in assisting Edna at home, providing a deeply supportive presence for both her and the family. Edna—our devoted spouse, mom, grandma, and great-grandma—will be forever missed by her family and everyone fortunate enough to have known her. Her impact on our lives will always be remembered. Service Information: Please join family and friends on Friday, June 5th, 2026 from 10:00am-1:00pm for a visitation at: Mandziuk Funeral Home 3801 18 Mile Road Sterling Heights, MI 48314 #586-997-3838 An open tribute will begin at noon for those who would like to share an Edna story or memory. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation in her name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude-now.html

Edna Karpinski

March 28, 1936 - May 24, 2026