Stoevener. Karen Annette

October 10, 2010, Karen completed her seven year battle with cancer and “crossed over the bridge” to join family and friends that have passed on before her. Karen, 47, grew up in her beloved Oregon and moved to Blacksburg in 1980. Her professional career was dedicated to helping people put down roots in a home of their own, first as a realtor and then as a mortgage lender. Karen’s greatest joy was her chosen family of horses and Golden Retrievers! In all aspects of her life, she displayed compassion, creativity, dedication, loyalty and strength of will. When faced with life challenges, Karen maintained her dignity and sense of humor in equal measures. She is survived by her brother Ralph; and three nieces, Cassie, Morgan and Kersten. The memorial will be 6:30 p.m. Thursday, October 21, 2010, at El Mariachi Mexican restaurant (Karen recommends the Margarita, guests are asked to RSVP to Deb Dyer at 540-230-5698). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Herbert and Sylva Endowed Scholarship Fund. Payment should be made to the Virginia Tech Foundation and mailed to the Development Office, 216 Hutcheson Hall (0402), Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va. 24061. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg, Va.