Obituary of Kimberly Mae Caruso

The journey of Kimberly Mae (Dowdy) Caruso, age 42 of Grosse Pointe, ended this part among us on April 9, 2015. She was a loving wife to Michael Caruso, daughter of Larry and Carol Dowdy of Erie, MI; mother to Krystyna Szof; step-mother to Michael and Alex Caruso; and sister to Phil (Tammy) Hardy and Andy Dowdy. Kim was born on March 4, 1972, at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn, MI. Her early roots were sprinkled all over Michigan, finally settling in the Detroit Metro area. Kim was a graduate of Newago High School and attended Ferris State University. Kim started her career in transportation and logistics in the early nineties. The twenty plus years in the logistics business brought her wonderful friends and associates, including her husband Mike. Kim's passion for life was undeniable. She was an avid lover of animals, nurturing many and, most recently, her rescue greyhounds, Brie and Bogie. As a nature lover, she snowmobiled the Canadian wilderness, kayaked the Au Sable River and climbed the Grand Tetons. Her most favorite weekend getaway was her Northern Michigan home near Roscommon. Even after the second, terminal metastatic breast cancer diagnosis, Kim did not wish to associate her life with words such as battle, fight or survive but rather laugh, live and thrive. Kim didn't remain frozen by her diagnosis or dwell on regrets. Everyone that encountered her was struck by her love, strength and positive outlook. Kim was so special because of her selflessness often demonstrated by always putting others before her own needs. One friend commented, "We will forever remember her larger than life smile, her contagious laugh, and that special love that she provided for each and every one in her life." Reflecting on Kim's ability to foster laughter will provide support for those who feel such a tremendous loss. Kim's wishes include in lieu of flowers that a donation be made to Best Friends (www.bestfriends.org/Get-Involved/Donate/Give-a-Tribute-Gift) or to the American Red Cross. She also asks everyone to remember her by giving blood, a lifeline for her while she lived. Thank you for sharing your journey Kim.