Karen (Dwire) Eichele

Karen (Dwire) Eichele, age 67, of Utica, passed away on New Year’s Day, Tuesday, January 1, 2013 in the comfort and privacy of her home after a brief illness. Karen and her twin sister, Lauren, were born in Youngstown, Ohio on July 26, 1945, the daughters of Virginia Shelbaer. They were raised and educated in Long Island. At one time Karen shared a relationship with Thomas Niemi, a union from which came two beautiful children. In subsequent years she continued to build a family having two more children. On September 2, 1983, she was married to the late Patrick Eichele with whom she shared a marriage of 15 years. Karen worked as a Therapeutic Aide at the New York State Psychiatric Center, a 32-year career that she thoroughly enjoyed. She built meaningful relationships with her patients and would frequently make them part of her life during their time of need. Karen was a very caring, strong-willed woman who put her family first and overcame any obstacles in order to lead a positive life. She was also a homemaker who loved to cook and take care of her home. Spunky and spirited, she enjoyed nature and being outdoors at any family gathering or picnic. She was bold and exciting and wouldn’t hesitate to enjoy life’s gifts, which included adventures such as kayaking, horseback riding, and any day trip she could take with her children and grandchildren. Karen was an intense spitfire and there was never a dull moment with her. She wasn’t too timid to tell anyone her true feelings. She was there to give advice and have a connection with anyone who would listen. She adored her grandchildren and had a special bond and closeness with her “sidekick” Nichiah. Karen’s faith and spirituality was very close to her heart. She always had a dog in the house as a companion and protector and her love for them shined through in the way she provided for them. She was a devout Catholic throughout her life and her trust in the Lord sustained her even through her illness. She was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Karen loved God’s creatures and she loved her pets. Karen is survived by her daughters, April Trent and fiance Larry Skinner of Vernon Center, and Lisa Rodriguez of Long Island; her sons and daughter-in-law, Anthony and Kathy Rodriguez of Utica, and Alan Niemi; her grandchildren, Nichiah Comstock, Gordon Thomas Trent, Justin Wnek, Brandon Rodriguez, Victoria Rodriguez, and Garrett Skinner; and her great-grandchild, Kayden Trent. Also left to mourn her passing are her sister, Shelly Jackson; her brother, Michael Dwire; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, especially Sean and Sue Hirt and their children Robert and Emily; in-laws, and special friend Abe Adamany. She was predeceased by her sister Kay, and her twin sister and brother-in-law Lauren and John Kiernan. The family is grateful to the staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Regional Cancer Center for their care and compassion. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Karen’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday morning at 10:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. John Rose. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in Karen’s memory may make a donation to St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish; envelopes will be available at the service.

Karen (Dwire) Eichele

July 26, 1945 - January 1, 2013