Karen Armstrong

Karen A. (Burnell) Armstrong, 66, died Wednesday, December 4, 2013, at her residence following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Plattsburgh on October 30, 1947, the daughter of Earl G. (Buck) and Gladys H. (Fink) Burnell. Karen married Gene L. Armstrong in Plattsburgh on May 14, 1966. She was a graduate of Clinton Community College where she was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Fraternity and received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Empire State College. Karen began her school business career in 1968 with the Clinton County BOCES in their original location in the Clinton County transportation building working with William A. Fritz. In 1992, she became School Business Administrator for the Peru Central School System, retiring in 2005. She was a member of the Adirondack Chapter of NYSASBO serving as President from 1995-1999. She was elected to the Beekmantown Central School Board of Education and served with dedication to the students, faculty, and community from 2005-2012. With her husband Gene, Karen owned and operated Auntie’s Ceramics Shop for several years. Karen was known for her passion serving as treasurer for Hannah’s Hope for GAN with determination to be part of the team effort to cure GAN. She is survived by her husband Gene; one son Joey and daughter-in-law Lisa of Princetown, NY; two brothers, Robert “Red” and Margo Burnell and Earl Burnell of Plattsburgh; a sister-in-law, Carol Burnell of Dublin, OH; nieces Linda (Burnell) and John McCumber; Cheryl (Burnell) and Bill Turner; Carrie (Burnell) and Craig Favaro; Lori (Burnell) and Matt Sames; Christen (Burnell) Cardina; Katie (Burnell) and Tim Rogers; and Heather (Burnell) Tutwiler; nephew Bob and Cari Burnell and their families. Karen was predeceased by her parents and brother, Gilbert Burnell. At Karen’s request there will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday December 9th from St. Joseph’s Church in Treadwells Mills. Burial will follow in St. Alexander’s Cemetery in Morrisonville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hannah’s Hope for GAN at PO Box 206, Morrisonville, NY 12962. Arrangements have been entrusted to Heald Funeral Home, 48 Court Street Plattsburgh. Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.healdfuneralhomeinc.com