Karen Marie Safavian

Karen Marie Safavian of Grosse Ile Twp., Michigan passed away in her home of fifty years, in the early hours of Thursday, February 22, 2023 at the age of 78. Beloved mother of David (Jennifer) Safavian and Mehnaz (Steve Dieterle) Safavian. Cherished grandmother of Kathleen Cameron Safavian, Rebecca Grace Safavian, and Henry George Dieterle. Dearest sister of Doni (Bob) Harris, Tim Moxlow, Mary (Keith) Boomhower and David (Renee) Moxlow. Dear sister-in-law of Tim Burke. Karen was preceded in death by her husband Walter Billquist, her parents George and Elaine Moxlow, and her sister Sandra Burke.

Karen will be deeply missed by many loving family and friends, who will remember her for her fun-loving spirit, her strong spiritual and political beliefs, and her love of travel. Karen loved nature, and particularly the water, likely shaped from growing up on the Detroit River. She kept a sailboat on Grosse Ile, and one of her favorite pastimes was a Saturday sail onto the Lake Erie, hosting any family or friends who were brave enough to come aboard. She also spent time every summer up at the family’s Chalet on Crystal Lake, and later at her daughter’s house on Lake Michigan. She had countless t-shirts and sweatshirts with the Lake Michigan, Unsalted logo.

While she was an “island girl” through and through, Karen loved to travel to far-flung places around the world. She lived in Florence as a college student, and in her later years ventured out to places like India, Thailand, Tahiti, and spent many trips in Kenya visiting family there. She often traveled with her mother and sisters on Star Clipper sailing cruises. Karen especially loved going on safaris in Kenya, where she would organize most of her time around photography of wild animals there. Throughout her house, you can see amazing pictures of lions, giraffe, zebra, and ostrich just to name a few.

Karen was an accomplished cook, and truly enjoyed holding dinners for family and friends. She prided herself on her spaghetti Bolognese and crème brulee. She was never happier than when preparing for Christmas Eve dinner or Thanksgiving, to be hosted in her dining room. She adopted the view of her mother, Elaine, that she could “always add more water to the soup.” That is, she’d be happy to add another place setting for unexpected guests. She also had an extensive collection of unbelievably complex cooking utensils that had a specific use maybe one time per year. Her favorite shopping experience would be at the kitchen shop in Beulah, where she could spend hours, and where she often bought gifts for family and friends.

Karen had strong views on just about any subject, but the strongest were on politics, likely inherited from her father, George S. Moxlow. She loved political news, and religiously caught her favorite shows every day, no matter what else was going on. Her favorite way to end the day was watching the NewsMax with a bourbon in hand.

The love her life was Walter Billquist, whom she wed in 1994. Walter passed away shortly thereafter, leaving an unfillable void in her life.

As anyone who knew her can attest, Karen was no shrinking violet. She fought union bosses at Ford, where she worked for two decades, and brought that attitude to all she did. To her credit, you always knew where you stood with her. But she was a complete push-over for her three grandchildren, Kate, Becca, and Henry, not to mention her dogs, Robbie and Stella.

Karen lived her life to the fullest, and wanted those around her to do the same. Please join us in celebrating her amazing life! Visitation for Karen will take place on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, located at 21599 Parke Lane, Grosse Ile, Michigan 48138, immediately followed by a Mass of the Resurrection at 12:00 pm.

Please visit Karen’s online guestbook to share memories and leave condolences for her family.