After a long and courageous struggle, KAREN ANDREWS passed peacefully from this life, surrounded by her loving family on December 25th, 2010. She was 60 years old. We postponed this notification, and her Memorial Service, due to illness and surgery of family members. She is survived by her husband, Bruce; her daughters Katherine McCarty of Charleston, SC, and Christine Andrews of Sumter; Her father and mother, Earl and Joan Schoeppner of Columbus, NC; sisters Barbra Gerhard of Columbus,NC, and Susan Esty of Brookeville,MD;and brothers:Stephen Schoeppner of Columbus,Ohio;and Mark Schoeppner of Irvine,California Karen was a devoted caretaker to her family, practical in the day-to- day as well as nurturing. Her strength and courage were an inspiration to those who had the pleasure of knowing her. Always looking to the brighter side of life, her humor and cheerfulness throughout any difficulty spread to those around her. Karen was a dedicated mother and loving wife, raising two daughters and being there for her husband (also known as "her third child"). She frequently "held down the fort back home" during her husband's many overseas deployments. She saw both daughters into college and urged them toward success in their interests, always asking questions along the way so she could stay involved in their lives. She also found a place in her enormous heart for a houseful of rescued kitties. They were one of her favorite topics of conversation and never failed to provide stories that she loved to tell. All that knew and loved her will miss her greatly. A MEMORIAL SERVICE is planned for March 26th at 1pm at St.Annes Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the MS society, or to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, North Carolina 28043.