Karen Sue Rinaldi

Former Accord resident, Karen Edwards Rinaldi, 57, passed away on July 6 at her home in Hunter. At her request, no service will be held. Family, friends and neighbors will gather at the Accord Fire House Company 1 on Sunday, July 14 at 2:00 pm.

Karen was born January 4, 1962 in Ellenville, New York, to Shirley Miller Zeko, formerly of Accord, and Walter Edwards of Napanoch. Karen was preceded in death by her mother, step-father, Robert Zeko, step-mother, Mary Edwards, sister, Kimberly Moses, and grandson, Tyler Edwards. Her children, Randy Jones of Canajoharie, Matthew Edwards of Hunter, Andrew Roxby and Nichole Brown of Pennsylvania, and Courtney Palen of Kerhonkson, were able to spend time with her in her final weeks.

Karen leaves behind a large family who loved her, including her daughter-in-law Cindy, her cousin Kathy who cared for her in her final months, Karen’s life partner of thirteen years Toni Bayetis, and Toni’s son Jimmy. As well as brothers and sisters; Lisa Landon of North Carolina, William Farrell of Accord, Pamela Ogle of South Carolina, Shawn Farrell of Woodbourne, Christopher Zeko of Hunter, David Edwards of Napanoch, and Mikeal Edwards of Neversink, thirteen grandchildren and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Karen was a strong, passionate and determined woman who lived life on her terms. She spent much of her life providing care for others, from helping with her younger siblings in her early years to working as a home health aide to tending to her mother during her final months of life. For a short time she worked for Affordable Waste and being the computer wizard she was, she was able to help get them started with all the bookkeeping needs a business has. Later she enjoyed just being home doing crafts, cooking and cleaning, and tending to her garden. You might say Karen was a little obsessed with the cleaning and gardening being just right. Karen was a second mom to Jimmy and she shared her love of music with him. They could always be caught singing and dancing together. Those who knew Karen best know she loved a good time and will remember her sense of humor and generous spirit.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the scholarship fund created in memory of her nephew, Shawnie, who was KIA in Afghanistan on April 28, 2014: Shawn Michael Farrell II Scholarship Fund, 686 Watson Hollow Road, West Shokan, NY 12484.