Mrs. Elizabeth D. “Lib” Karl, 97, of Downsville, passed away on Nov. 27, 2024 at home with her loving family by her side. Elizabeth was born in Ogdensburg on July 5, 1927, the daughter of Everett and Mary Drew. Lib graduated from the School of Nursing at Syracuse University in 1948 and served as an Army Cadet Nurse from 1945-47. She received her Masters in Education from SUNY Oneonta in 1974.
Lib married Robert Karl, the love of her life, in 1949 and they moved to Downsville where she still lived until her death. Lib worked as a supervising nurse at Roscoe Hospital until she was employed by Downsville Central School as the School Nurse Teacher from 1968-1989. After retirement, she enjoyed her hobby of travel and photography. Lib continued to enjoy learning and exploring new opportunities and keeping a record of them through her photography. Her first solo trip was on an African Safari and from there she was hooked. She enjoyed her trips to Ireland, England, France, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Austria. She participated in many Elder Hostel trips as she honed her photography craft.
Lib was an active participant in her community. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Downsville Fire Department. She was the “clam chowder chef” for many years as she assisted with field days and community events. Lib was an active member of the Historic Society for 25 years, Colchester Reading Room volunteer for 30 years, an election officer for 10 years, member of the Colchester Senior Citizens for 30 years, Republican Club of Colchester for 30 years, an active member of the Holy Family Catholic Church and a leader for Girl Scouts and 4-H for many years.
Whatever organization Lib belonged to, she put in her whole heart. Lib was often asked “nurse” questions and was always willing to assist. Her students remember Mrs. Karl as “the nurse” who inspired many to also become a member of the medical field.
Lib is survived by her four children: Suzanne Bower and son-in-law Dave, Stephen Karl and daughter-in-law Colleen, Kathy Bryant and son-in-law Herb, and Barbara Edwards and son-in-law Kenny. Seven cherished grandchildren: Sarah McCarty (Sean), Melissa Krivit (David), Herb Bryant (Maureen), Justin Karl, Kennon Edwards (Estephanie), Sarah Miller (Paul), and Blakeley Digby (Nick). Nine adored great grandchildren: Evelyn Krivit, David Krivit, Finn Bryant, Henry Bryant, Tucker Miller, Naomi Miller, Jackson Digby, Skylar Digby, and Hudson McCarty. Also her treasured niece and nephew Jennifer Sunderraj (Naresh), Allan Drew and Ann Taylor (Bill). She also has many close cousins and treasured their phone calls and visits. She was predeceased by her husband of 32 years, Robert, brother James Drew and his wife Marge.
Her family and friends remember her for her love of travel, photography, sewing, quilting, cooking, reading, the beach and her love for her community and country.
Visitation will be held at Colonial-Bryant Funeral Home, 29 Pearl Street, Livingston Manor, on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 from 3 to 6 p.m. A second visitation will be held at Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton, NY 13856 on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friends are invited to Elizabeth’s Celebration of Life on Monday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. at Colchester Community United Methodist Church with Pastor Christine Lindeberg officiating. Lib will be laid to rest at Paige Cemetery, State Highway 206, Downsville, NY 13755 in the spring. All are invited to a reception following at the James S. Moore American Legion Post #167.
Donations may be made to the Robert & Elizabeth Karl Memorial Scholarship Fund (benefitting a graduating DCS Senior) P.O. Box J, Downsville, NY, 13755
Arrangements under the care of Colonial-Bryant Funeral Home, for further information call 845-439-4333.
