Karin Klapperich

Karin Klapperich, age 71, of Chelsea, MI, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on October 28, 2025.

Karin was born on November 4, 1953, in Ann Arbor, MI, to Philip and Dorothy Hume, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by sister Janet “Sue” Bagnell, brother Kenneth “Scott” Hume, and sister Gayle Waterson, siblings who were also taken too soon. She is now among these angels, comforted in their loving embrace.

She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband Gary Klapperich, her sons, Donald Reilly (Brandy) and Brian Reilly (Molly), and two stepdaughters, Amy Raymond (Brian) and Natalie Bishai (Shariff). She was also the proud grandma of Weston Reilly, Gavin Reilly, Cameron Reilly, Owen Milliken, Jonathan Raymond, Keaton Raymond, and Eden Bishai, Noah Bishai, and Lilly Bishai. She was often affectionately referred to as Grandma Karin, Sissy or Ma.

She is also survived by her brother Keith Hume (Lois); sisters Mary Pierson (Don); Patti Hume (Ken Lumm); and Amy Lennex (Joe), along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her dearly.

Karin lived her life to the fullest and gave her all to helping others. She and Gary started the “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive” fundraiser in 2009 to benefit Chelsea Hospital following Gary’s cancer diagnosis. For 12 years the annual event brought together friends, neighbors and community members and eventually donated over $300,000 to help fund cancer treatment facilities in Chelsea.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of love and support from Karin and Gary’s many friends and extended family during this difficult time, and especially to the caring and compassionate staff from Regency at Whitmore Lake.

If you would like to make a donation in Karin’s memory, please consider “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive,” P.O. Box 357, Dexter, MI 48130 or a charity of your choosing.

No service is planned at this time. The family will host a celebration of Karin’s life sometime in the future.