Karyn Susan Vaughn, 63, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 25, 2026, and went to be with her Lord and Savior. She was a beloved sister, aunt, friend, humanitarian, and an extraordinary woman whose adventurous spirit, compassion, and zest for life touched people around the world. 

Karyn was a woman of many talents and accomplishments. She spoke three languages and graduated from Michigan State University with a concentration in Journalism. She began her professional career as a journalist at the Grand Rapids Press before transitioning into corporate public relations. Her career and adventurous spirit took her across the globe, including living and working in New York City, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and East and West Berlin. 

During her years in West Africa, Karyn immersed herself deeply in the local culture and heritage. Her ebullient, outgoing personality allowed her to form meaningful connections with people far beyond the typical expatriate experience. Her distinctive voice and natural presence also made her a sought-after contributor to Armed Forces Radio and the Armed Forces Network, where she provided voiceovers, news spots, and participated in talk shows. She also put her professional expertise to work on behalf of international development efforts, co-writing the closeout report for USAID to Mauritania following the severing of relations with the country. 

While living in West Berlin, Karyn served as an administrator for the University of Southern California in support of the U.S. Army. She lived through the extraordinary and tumultuous period surrounding the fall of Communism and the reunification of Germany, witnessing history unfold around her. Riots and violent unrest sometimes erupted outside her home, yet even amid the fear and hostility toward foreigners, Karyn's warmth, humor, and outgoing personality allowed her to connect with and disarm virtually everyone she encountered. She never allowed the hostility around her to diminish her openness to people. 

Throughout her life, Karyn remained deeply committed to helping others, particularly children. She was actively involved with child-focused charities, including dedicated service with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. 

A devoted animal lover, Karyn shared a particularly special bond with her beloved rescue dog, Keeper, whom she rescued in East Berlin. Keeper traveled with her across three continents, thrived during their years in West Africa, and eventually retired with Karyn to her farm in New Jersey alongside Keeper's feline sidekick, Lex. 

Karyn also demonstrated extraordinary physical and personal resilience throughout her life. She achieved the rank of black belt in Taekwondo and earned multiple awards in regional competitions. Even after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and, later, cancer, she continued to face life with remarkable strength and an unwaveringly positive spirit. 

Karyn was preceded in death by her father, Theodore N. Vaughn II and her mother, Alice Gibson. She is survived by her brothers, Theodore N. Vaughn III (Kathie) and Eric R. Vaughn; her sisters, Peggy L. Vaughn and Dana M. Vaughn; many beloved nieces and nephews; and her former husband, Mark Fritz, a Pulitzer Prizewinning war correspondent with whom she shared more than a decade of marriage, traveled the world, and created countless cherished memories. 

Karyn lived a remarkable life filled with adventure, purpose, compassion, and an enduring love for people and animals. Her spirit, laughter, and unforgettable presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. 

The family is planning a private memorial service for Karyn.  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Faith Hospice.