Gift of a Lifetime -- Karen Schroder

Gift of a Lifetime

Karen Schroder

Family and friends honor her upbeat personality, elegance,
graciousness and steadfast devotion to family

Karen was known early on as having a flair for shoes — and coffee ice cream.

As Karen Schroder celebrated her birthday on April 3, family and friends took a moment to reflect on her remarkable life of devotion to family and her natural talent for spreading good cheer. This gift of engendering happiness began before she knew it.

Recalled her sister, Connie Cheever: "I remember the day Mom and Dad told us we were going to have a brother or sister soon. The biggest smiles possible immediately brightened our faces. We were blessed with a special Karen who further enhanced our lives."

As a child, her brother Ed "Rip" Keyworth said, "Karen always wanted to be older than she was and now she probably wants to be younger. When we got married, she complained about always having to be a flower girl and said she wanted to be a bridesmaid. Karen was 10 when Beth, our oldest, was born. We tried to call her Karen, but she wouldn't let us. 'Indeed,' she said, 'I am now Aunt Karen.'"

When Vicki Roberts wrote about Karen, she was spellbound with memories:

Kind and thoughtful.

Always ready to share a laugh, or a tear.

Rare ability to make others feel they are the most important people in the world.

Elegant in what she says, does and is.

Never seen without silver jewelry, her glasses around her neck, and her pillow to travel!"

Fashion also came to Kris Brands' mind when recalling Karen's school days. "Shoes! Long before Imelda's fame, Karen was building a world-class shoe collection. She inspired her Baldwin classmates to join the quest. When I thought I was within striking distance of catching up to her collection, she raised the bar. She discovered Bruno Magli. Diamonds aren't a girl's best friend; shoes are!"

Brother Ed Keyworth and sister Connie Cheever recall Karen as brightening their lives and growing up fast.

Sara Connor recalled another accessory: "At Baldwin, Karen never shared her coffee ice cream. She would sit on her bed and eat the whole pint all by herself. Normally unselfish, giving and smart, this was just too amazing to watch. To this day, Karen adores coffee ice cream.

"Karen is a friend who is there for you always," Sara continued. "During family problems or illness, she takes time to stay in touch, call, send cards, and e-mail. Last year, after 34 years of friendship and during my bout with breast cancer, my roommate sent e-mails daily, sent funny cards, and called after each treatment to see how I was doing. It made an enormous difference to me and I was so very grateful to her."

Karen's associates at preschool related similar stories.

Her first boss, Carolyn Brooks, recalled Karen as "my favorite 'Letter Lady,' who has opened the minds and hearts of countless preschoolers to the magical world of books, stories and poetry. She is a very special gift! I always recall her with love and appreciation."

Linda Young wrote: "Karen is a treasure as a friend and co-worker for her loyalty, dependability, and her high standards. She willingly gives of herself and goes the extra mile. Generous in nature and of heart, she is loved and respected by not only me, but by the children, parents, and staff. On top of that, she has been a wonderful mother and wife. Thank you, Karen, for the gift of your friendship for these many years."

Karen's priority is family — and it shows, particulary with in-laws. Van Schroder said, "Everyone tells me how lucky I am to have a daughter-in-law like Karen. This little fireball of a Yankee has given us all the stimulus we needed. She's lively, smart, a marvelous manager, accountant, chef, wife and mother who keeps up with us all with a 10-foot tall family tree. We all know we can count on her." Suzanne Cronk said, "Karen slipped quietly into our family, a shy young woman who loved our brother. She is generous beyond measure, sharing her homes and her love. Now she is a neighbor as well as a sister. I am so blessed to have her in my life."

Whether she is with the Schroders, above, or her sons and husband, below, Karen is always sharing wisdom, kindness and faith.

Van Waddy recalled, "Karen walks into a room, sees what needs to be done, and goes about it quietly, before anyone notices. She's humble, unassuming, generous and lights up a room with her subtle sense of humor, contagious laughter and smile. We first fell in love with her in a mini-skirt and have grown to love her as a dedicated family member, mother and cook who kicks up her heels in a style envied by all."

Mike Schroder valued "her combination of Down East reticence and southern graciousness. She's always upbeat — family-first person who taught us to cook."

Martiele Schroder said, "Karen and I epitomize the saying 'opposites attract,' organized and methodical versus chaotic and scattered. Our personalities fit together perfectly and lucky for me we are very close 'outlaws.'"

Chris Schroder said "Karen is generous, thoughtful and inclusive — the one who ensures no one is left out."

Nephew Craig Lawrence said, "Karen is like my mom, but with a bit of southern charm; strong, intelligent, practical and giving. Thank you for your love and kindness."

Added Katie Lawrence: "Karen has been a warm, sweet, caring aunt and friend with great common sense and wisdom."

Karen showers her immediate family with love — and it is reciprocated. Jay thanked his mom "for years of love, support, and encouragement — 20 of them in my life so far, and Lord willing — many more to come. God has blessed me by making me your son. You have been the Mom all my friends are jealous of. You're the best. God Bless."

Jim wrote: "Of all He has given me, one of God's greatest blessings is to have a Mom who prays for me. Thanks and God Bless."

Husband Jack summed it up best when he said, "It's no secret why I married her. I knew she'd be a wonderful mother, and I was right on the money. The pride of our lives — our sons — are ample testimony to the depth of her love. Karen is the glue that keeps our family together, the balm that soothes my frantic world, and the inspiration for my life. I can't wait to spend the rest of it with her."

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Gift of a Lifetime is a division of Schroder Media LLC