Karolyn E. Michaels

Karolyn E Michaels Karolyn Elizabeth Michaels, age 22, of Lake Worth, Florida, died on July 28, 2012. She is the daughter of John and Maria Michaels and sister to James and Daniel Michaels. She was born in Panama City, Republic of Panama where her father was serving in the U.S. Army during a time of hostility due to the country's Military Dictator. Despite the circumstances Karolyn was born on February 14, 1990 (Valentine's Day). From birth, Karolyn had a loving personality and grew to be passionate at everything she did. As part of a military family Karolyn grew up in Columbia, SC; El Paso, TX; and Atlanta, GA. Her childhood was rich and filled with joy. As a child she was very family oriented and attached to her friends and animals. Everyone remembers her as a selfless person. As a teen she attended Brookwood High School in Snellville, GA. She was the swim team manager for two years, and during her senior year, she placed third in the National SkillsUSA Championship in Practical Nursing. While in high school she began working at Taco Bell where she met the love of her life Tony Laboy. She graduated in 2008. Karolyn loved to travel and had an appetite for adventure. Her month long trip to the Amazon jungle was one of the highlights of her life. She had dreams of working for the Peace Corps and helping the less fortunate. She shared a love of music with her brothers and found comfort in the music they had in common. Her love for music became a big part of who she was. Her preferences included a variety of genres that ranged from artists such as The Beatles to Shakira. Karolyn moved to Florida in 2009 to be closer to her extended family. Once in Florida she enrolled in Palm Beach State College and had dreams of becoming a lawyer. Throughout college "Koralz" began working at PetSmart where she quickly found her calling in working with animals. There she also met many of her close friends. As a dog groomer her passion for loving and taking care of animals was able to take full flight. She loved and cared for a variety of animals including her own cat Bella, prairie dog Charlie, pit-bull Sancho, pig Louie, snake Dexter and bird Romeo. Her love for animals seemed to grow infinitely; recently she began to foster dogs and gave many of us inspiration to be more compassionate and involved with animals. Karolyn's life had its hardships, but she fought through the difficulties, and would rise from the pain, bringing love and kindness to many. We celebrate her life and the spirit that touched us. Karolyn was feisty, but she had great passion and consideration for others. She is survived by her father John, her mother Maria, and her brothers James and Daniel. She will be missed greatly by her grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, boyfriend, and many friends and co-workers. The wake will be held at: Palms West Funeral Home, 110 Business Park Way, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 on Wednesday, August 1st from 5:00-9:00 PM. A Memorial Service by Father Mario Castaneda will be held from 7:00-8:00 PM. The family is asking in lieu of flowers for attendees to contribute to a cause that Karolyn truly cared for, The Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. For Contributions please go to: http://www.hspb.org/page.aspx?pid=207 At the bottom of the page, in the Tribute Information Section: Name: Put your name Type: Select (In Memory of) Description: Karolyn E. Michaels