Shirley Smith Karpus, 90, of Henrico Died Peacefully on September 12, 2016 at her home on Lake Gaston.

Shirley was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts in 1926. She was the Daughter of the late Chester and Alice Smith of Stratford, Connecticut. She married Ed Karpus in 1946 and they enjoyed 56 years together before his death in 2002.

Ed and Shirley raised their children in Chester, VA before retiring to the Lake Gaston area. Ed was a well-respected community member known to many as “Coach.” Shirley was a homemaker, raised her children well and was the favorite long-term sub at the High School. Ed and Shirley made the lake house a center of family life for their children and friends.

Shirley is survived by her four children and their spouses; Chip (Darlene) Karpus of Richmond VA, Lynn (MT) Holt of South Hill, VA, Peggy Lynn of Henrico, NC and Lori DeZarn of Winchester, VA. Also her grandchildren, Tia (Bob) Williams, Tricia Morro, Ed Karpus, Taylor Holt, Chris (Nicky) Holt, Graham DeZarn and Stefan DeZarn; her great-grandchildren Megan, Sarah, Robert, Samantha, Shelby, Lauren, Ashton and Aniston; and one great-great-granddaughter, Caili.

Shirley was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Roanoke Rapids, and a devoted member of the lake Gaston Ladies Club for many years. She was a skilled gardener, seamstress and painter who enjoyed crocheting, knitting, embroidery, smocking, fabric painting, and upholstering, creating many beautiful things for her family and for community donations. Although her gradual loss of vision from Macular Degeneration curtailed many of those activities, she continued to be a generous friend to all in the community. She loved food and cooking and will always be remembered for her lasagna, blueberry pancakes, seafood casserole and the Hummingbird cake which she made for every family birthday celebration. From her early days in Cape Cod to her years of swimming, skiing and sailing on the lake, she loved the water! Her generosity provided all the family with an annual summer vacation at Nags Head for over 20 years. So, as we snuggle under the fleece blankets that she made for all of us, we will remember the good times and her sage advice to love generously and live greatly.

A memorial service will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church on Saturday September 17, 2016 at 10:30 A.M. with Rev. Dale Custer officiating.

Interment will be at 2:00 P.M. in Sunset Memorial Park, Chester Va.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to All Saints Episcopal Church, 635 Hamilton Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC, 27870 or to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, P.O. Box 515, Northampton, MA 01061 or a Charity of your choice.