Karen L. Stumpf

Karen L. Stumpf, 81, passed away Wednesday morning at Samaritan Summit Village, surrounded by her family.

Born on September 28, 1942, the daughter of Floyd and Doris Ketchum Bronner, Karen attended a three-room schoolhouse during her elementary years in Howells, NY and then graduated from Middletown High School, Middletown, NY. She then went on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Houghton College, Houghton, NY, and later earned her Master’s Degree in Education from SUNY Oswego.

Karen married Willard J. Stumpf on April 29, 1967, in Otisville, NY. 

She was a teacher at General Brown High School, Brownville, NY for 32 years, retiring in 1998. In her retirement years she worked as an adjunct professor at Jefferson Community College for seven years. 

Karen was proud to have earned her small plane pilot’s license and was an active member of the 99’s, a women’s pilot club. She was an avid traveler, exploring numerous countries across Europe and Asia, and visited Alaska three times. A dedicated goat farmer, she loved her “kids” and took great joy in hosting families and students on her farm. Karen was also a devoted member of the United Church in Cape Vincent, where she served on many committees and ran the Vacation Bible School during the summer.  She was also a tireless supporter and volunteer for the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, serving on the Board of Directors for over a decade.

Karen is survived by her husband of 57 years, Willard; her children Kristie (John) Rork, Cape Vincent, and Bryan (Bridgette) Stumpf, Chaumont, NY; and siblings, Elwood Bronner, Bartow FL, and Denese Bronner, Orlando, NY.

Calling hours will be held at the United Church on Broadway Street, Cape Vincent on Monday, July 22nd from 5-7pm. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 23rd at 11am with Reverend Marc Thomas officiating. A private burial will take place after the funeral service at St. Vincent of Paul Cemetery. A reception will be held at the United Church Hall after the funeral.

Memorial contributions may be made in Karen’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org