Karen Joy Shoemaker

In Loving Memory of Karen Joy (Henry) Shoemaker

Stanley- With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Karen Joy (Henry) Shoemaker, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and cherished friend, on March 13, 2025, at her home in Gorham NY.

Donations in lieu of flowers should be directed to Stanley/Hall/Gorham Ambulance at PO Box 57, Hall, NY 14463, the Gorham Fire Department at 4676 Kearney Rd Gorham, NY 14461, the Stanley Fire Department at P.O. Box 481, Stanley, NY 14561 or the Hall Fire Department at P.O. Box 83, Hall, NY 14463.

Friends and family are invited to gather and share their fondest memories, honoring the incredible woman who touched so many lives during the calling hours on Friday, March 28, from 6-9 p.m. at the Perkins-Ames Funeral Home, 2583 East Main St., Gorham, NY 14461. Karen’s life will be celebrated in a service held on Saturday, March 29th at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Hall Fire Department immediately following the service on Saturday. There will be a private burial service for the family.

She was a teacher, a business leader, and an active community member. Born on September 15,1941, Karen lived a life filled with love, energetic enthusiasm, compassion, and dedication to her family and community. She was often known as the real “energizer bunny.”

Karen was born in Rochester, NY on September 15, 1941. As a child, she embraced learning both through books, life experiences and music. She grew up on Edgeland Street in Rochester with her mother and father, Roscoe & Kathryn (Rhodey) Henry(predeceased) and her brother Roger (Judy). With her perfect attendance awards in school, her scholastic merits, her piano recitals, and girl scouting she pursued excellence in all that she undertook. Some of her favorite memories were visiting the family farms, for both work and play with cousins and friends. She was a lifetime Girl Scout, and she took that role very seriously, pushing other young women to grow in their own path. Karen was also on the court representing her favorite flower the “Pansy” for the Miss Lilac Festival in 1951.

Her faith was constant and started at a very early age. She attended Brighton Community Church, attended various vacation bible schools, as well as her most beloved LaTourneau Christian Camp.

Later in her life, she attended the Eastman School of Music where she learned to play all the string instruments, all of them! Nothing was so beautiful as her piano playing, which could be heard in many church services over the years. She earned a $500 Scholarship and chose to attend Buffalo State University, and finally finishing her degree at Roberts Wesleyan College. She had recently been to her 60th year reunion at Roberts and was delighted to see friends she had not seen in years!

In 1964 she married the love of her life, Richard N. Shoemaker, and they were married for over 40 years until his death in 2011.

As a young business leader, she peddled greeting cards on her bike to nearby neighbors. She sold them to save money to go to college. This was a clear sign of what was to come. She was destined to be the “queen of Hallmark.” She also worked extremely hard at RT French to fund her college dreams. Mustard always had a special meaning to Karen, funding her dreams. The highlight of her business career was The Village Store and the Joy Lynn Shop. The two Hallmark stores of which she was so proud. The Village Store was opened in 1972 and for 51 years the business was successfully operated until 2023 when she retired and closed it. It was a sad day, and we all wept as we watched her close the door for the final time. Karen always cared to send the very best and made sure the community knew where to find it! This was where her joy and her love of holiday celebrations could be seen in her attire, usually the holiday earrings and the socks.

Finally, and most importantly, she was a teacher. Karen cared deeply for her students and the community she served. She spent her first five years teaching in the City of Rochester School District. After that, many decades in Marcus Whitman where she was a constant until she passed. She attended countless sporting events, fund raisers, band, and theatre productions. She would not be home if you called her on a Monday night at times, as she liked to attend the school board meetings. Many generations have been in a classroom or the gym with Karen in the tracksuit and high heels.

As for the community, Karen supported the faithful, our emergency personnel, kids’ programs (especially scouting), and so many activities. She was a constant at the roast beef dinners at the Middlesex Fire Department. It was a great cause, but she did love the pie! In her later years as the store was closing, this gave her more time to participate in Friday breakfast, the weekly hair appointments, and her beloved exercise class.

Karen left behind a legacy of love in two daughters, Jody Joy Allison (Ken) and Janet Lynn Humphrey (Todd). She was so proud of her grandchildren Tyler (Felicia), Steven, Lyndsey, Nathan, and Rory. She also was a great grandmother to Izzy and Ella. Her brother Roger (Judy) Henry and their children Mark, Grant, and Sarah. She leaves a legacy of friendship (since before kindergarten) with Betty Ann Battaglia (James). Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Though she may no longer be with us in body, Karen’s spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering strength will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Rest in peace, Karen. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Please visit www.perkinsamesfuneralhome.com to send a message of condolence to Karen’s Family.