Obituary of Karen L. Brinser

Karen L. (Donahue) Brinser Karen L. (Donahue) Brinser - Heaven was blessed with a new angel when Karen joined her heavenly family and Lord on August 21, 2014. Karen passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, after a determined battle against cancer. Karen is predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Mary Donahue; and her father-in-law, Charles Brinser Sr. She is survived by her loving husband, Charles (Charlie) Brinser Jr.; two children, Michael (Sherry) VanOrder, Michelle VanOrder; three grandchildren, Tyler Scharfenstein (Morgan Rafferty), Zachary VanOrder, Makayla VanOrder; and one great grandson, Owen Scharfenstein; four sisters, Linda (Roger) Monteiro, Deborah Donahue, Mary (Richard) Brush, Beth Ann (Allen) Dillon; mother-in-law, Donna Brinser; three sisters-in-law, Charlotte (Jerry) Bowie, Denise (Thomas) Johnson, Deanna Brinser; brother-in-law, Christopher (Karen) Brinser; many extended family members; special friends, Stash and Marge Maciolek; and her beloved pets. Karen was born in Johnson City, NY on August 26, 1956, attended Union Endicott High School and made many friends during several different careers that she enjoyed. She worked for many years at American Legion Post 1700 where she met and fell in love with Charlie. She enjoyed working for NBT Bank, Key Bank, and managing her own craft business, KB Crafts. Karen's greatest joy was helping to raise her grandchildren and Charlie, her biggest child of all. The family extends a special thank you to all of the staff at Lourdes Oncology, Ross 1 and Hospice for their personal tender loving care, to friend and neighbor Pastor Daniel Eddings and parish visitors from Central United Methodist Church for their friendship and support. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 30, 2014 at Central United Methodist Church, 17 Nanticoke Ave., Endicott, NY. Reverend Dr. Michelle Bogue-Trust officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday beginning at 12:00 p.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in Karen's name to the Humane Society, 2 Jackson St., Binghamton, NY 13903 or Shepherd's Supper at Central United Methodist Church, 17 Nanticoke Ave., Endicott, NY 13760.