On January 23rd, 2024, Lila Lynn Malinowski-Karaga, 37, born May 18th, 1986, was called home early to the creator due to a pedestrian-vehicle accident. Lila was surrounded by two strong kwe (women) upon the arrival of Rampart.
Lila had a big heart, and she was always prepared to make a warm meal for her big family. Lila was the oldest daughter of eleven siblings; She loved to teach her family and she practiced the mothering role to her younger siblings before she was blessed with her own children. Lila loved to cook, fix hair, do make-up, and vibe to music. She always did well in school, and she aspired to complete her college degree one day. She was enrolled in Bay College, and she was taking a class upon her death.
Lila lived her early life in Escanaba, Michigan; and in her teenage years she grew up on the Hannahville Reservation with her family where she resided, and where she has now rested. Lila’s radiant and goofy personality will forever live inside the hearts of her most loved ones. She was a survivor of many things and that molded her into the strong determined personality we all saw. She loved her children dearly, and she always wanted to do right by them and to make them proud.
Lila’s surviving children from oldest to youngest are as follows; Leia Williams (21), Laniceya Malinowski (15), Alex “Amani” Sagataw (13), Lucas Sagataw (10), Liana Malinowski (5), Araceli Sagataw (4), Deja Seymour (1); Grandson, Ozzie Smith (1); Siblings from oldest to youngest, Jimmy (Michelle) Karaja, Matthew (Rachel) Karaja, Kristen Mercier, Rochelle Karaja, Veroncia Williams, Greg Williams Jr. Jena Mercier, Marvin Mercier, Victoria (Jacob) Steinhausen, Tyler Williams; Parents Debra (Dave) Olson and Saied Karaga; Stepfathers, Greg Williams Sr. and Marvin Mercier; Uncles, Adam Malinowski Jr. and Brian (Delores) Malinowski; Aunt, Tina (Darrin) Burns; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Lila is preceded in death by her Grandmother Agnes Meshigaud; Grandfather Adam Malinowski Sr. and Auntie Rhonda Swisher.
The wake will take place at the Hannahville Community Center on Wednesday, January 31st from 5:00pm-8:00pm. The funeral service will be the following day, Thursday February 1st from 9:00AM-11:00AM. Burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. in the Hannahville Indian Community Cemetery (All times are Eastern).
The family was supported by the Hannahville Firekeepers, the Hannahville Indian Community, and many special friends and community members.
Any monetary donations for the children of Lila Malinowski-Karaga may be directed to Leia Williams, c/o Crawford Funeral Homes, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba, MI 49829. Flower donations to the children of Lila may be sent to The Hannahville Indian Community Center.
