Karina Covella

Kari was a fiery soul with a love for adventure. Growing up in Marquette, MI, she embraced the rugged beauty of the Upper Peninsula, a trait that stayed with her throughout her life. Despite being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 10, she thrived in her school years and participated in the school band’s percussion section from 6th grade until graduating from Marquette High School.

Kari’s adventurous spirit extended all the way to Paris, France, a city she fell in love with during a high school trip. She always felt that she had a deep connection there, and swore to revisit one day – which she accomplished in 2003, along with many other European countries. This city, with its enchanting streets and rich culture, always held a special place in her heart due to her family’s history.

Kari adored baking, crafting, and navigating the waters in her kayak. If you were to ask her children, they would wholeheartedly agree that Kari’s cakes were unmatched in both flavor and presentation. Her love for family was evident in every stitch of clothing she sewed for others, from the various Halloween costumes she sewed each year for her children, to the exquisite blankets she crafted that enveloped her grandson in warmth and love.

Before embarking on her professional journey, Kari was a devoted mother to two children, dedicating herself to their upbringing and immersing herself in their world. She was a familiar face at school events and after-school activities, always eager to be involved and close to her children.

In her professional life, Kari served as a compassionate social worker through the Department of Children and Families (DCF). She dedicated herself to bringing joy to adults with special needs by facilitating outings along the river and other engaging activities. The outdoors held a special place in her heart, especially the tranquil Yellow River where she found solace and adventure.

In her most recent role with The Hope Line, Kari extended her passion for helping others. This hotline connected children aging out of foster care, pregnant mothers grappling with substance abuse disorder, and families in need of one-on-one support and referrals. Her dedication to this cause was quickly recognized by her supervisors and coworkers, who spoke of her unwavering commitment.

Kari’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and selflessness. Her impact on those she touched will endure, a testament to a life well-lived in service to others.

She is survived by her two children, Ashley Victoria Covella Risch (Tristan) and Gary Michael Covella (Tracy), along with her cherished grandson, Ezra. She is also survived by her mother, Sally Halvorson of Marquette, MI, her siblings Derek, out of Marquette, MI, and Jeff Halvorson, of Sykesville, MD, (Leah), her sister Kiersten (Kris) Dunn, and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. Karina is predeceased by her grandparents, three aunts, and father, George.

A Memorial Service will be conducted on January 12th, 2024 at 5:00 pm CST at Emerald Coast Funeral Home. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service. The service will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend in person.

Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Gulf Coast Kids House.

Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 161 Racetrack Rd, NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL is entrusted with the arrangements.