Obituary of Karen Ann Stoddard

Karen Ann Stoddard, 72, of Sidney, went to be with the Lord on Friday evening, May 27, 2022 at her home in Sidney. Karen was born on April 17, 1950, daughter of the late Herbert Bailey and Bernice Victoria (Howe) Stoddard in Sidney. She graduated from Sidney High School in 1968 in the top of her class (2nd) and went on to receive her Bachelor's in Music from Syracuse University. Karen lived most of her life (all but her first 6 months) at 29 Pleasant Street. This was her families homestead since 1889, when her great-grandfather James Adelbert Howe purchased the home. James and his son, Frank Waldo Howe, spent years transforming 29 Pleasant St. into the 3 family home it is today. They created a home where 3 generations were able to live and grow up together. Karen loved her families' home more than anything in the world, and when she became the only one left in the families' home, she proudly preserved and cared for it. Karen had a love for music like no other. She played many instruments including the piano, organ, bells, flute, pan flute as well as sang. She was a very accomplished pianist and organist, which she played for several churches, as well as taught many children. Karen also enjoyed her tremendous collection of Legos, to which she designed and built beautiful towering structures that she displayed around her home. Karen was a lifelong member of the Sidney United Methodist Church. She sang in the choir, played bells, as well as played organ for them. Her grandfather, Frank W. Howe, helped build the basement of the church many years ago, creating a pulley system to trench out the dirt. Karen passed at home peacefully with her longtime caregiver and friend, Chelsea Metzger, after battling with Parkinson's for many, many years. Karen was predeceased by her brother, David Wayne Stoddard. She is survived by her cousins: Nancy Howe Malone and her family, Richard "Dick" Howe and his family, Stephen Peck and his family, Gary Peck, Alan Peck, Kathy Camparo and family, and her longtime caregiver, Chelsea Metzger. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at the Sidney United Methodist Church, 12 Liberty St. Sidney, NY 13838. Burial will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery. Share condolences and memories online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.