Kari Elaine Ouderkirk, (41) beloved wife, daughter, sister, and friend passed away peacefully in her sleep after a long illness on October 3, 2023 at Highland Hospital, Rochester New York. She was born on June 24, 1982 in New Hartford, New York, the daughter of Dale K. Ouderkirk and Mary Casanova Ouderkirk.
She grew up in Rome, New York, and graduated from Rome Free Academy in 2000. She attended Hobart-William Smith and Finger Lakes Community Collage, graduating from Wells Collage with a bachelors degree in 2007.
She loved the Finger Lakes region and lived in several towns until settling down in Rochester. She fell in love with Chris McLamb in Virginia in 2018. Kari and Chris exchanged wedding vows on December 13, 2019 at the Lamberton Conservatory, Highland Park, Rochester.
Kari also leaves behind her sister, Sara, and brother-in-law, Thomas Lankheet, aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, countless friends and the Shoe Box.
She loved animals and had many cats, turtles, fish, gerbils, and chinchillas. She fostered kittens and volunteered at animal rescue facilities.
She was a creative talent and loved to write. She made hand bags and assorted crafts that she sold on Esty. She worked as an industrial seamstress for many years sewing on canvas for awnings, tents, boats, and chair covers.
She was loving and kind and never failed to be the one to put a smile on someone’s face. Kari was a source of kindness and generosity. She had an amazing ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved. Her warm smile and compassionate heart were like a comforting embrace, and she made sure no one felt alone in their struggles. Our hearts are breaking for the love other.
Funeral services will be held at the West Leyden Cemetery in West Leyden, New York, at 12:00 on Saturday, October 14th, where she will rest with seven generations of her family. Father George Goodge from St. George Orthodox Church will be officiating the service.
Donation in name of Kari are to be made to Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450 or
lollypop.org.
Comments
9 responses to “Ouderkirk, Kari E.”
Oh my gosh. That is such sad news. My heart aches for your family. I wish I could hug you all. I can not even imagine what a loss you feel. She was a beautiful girl. I did not know her well but always enjoyed her company and her kind and loving spirt. Unfortunately I will not be able to make it to her service as I am traveling to Boston. All my love and all my prayers are with you.
The pictures are beautiful,
Just like the family. Kari was a joy to know. Our hearts are breaking at your loss. Sending many prayers for you as you wait until you are all united again. With much love, Barb and Allen
It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since we last saw each other. It’s even harder to believe we never will again.
Rest easy.
Beautiful Kari, she was one of my very best friends for the past 23 years. She and I could talk about anything, there were never any filters or limits. ❤️ How she made me laugh with her offbeat sense of humor and I loved her artistic view of the world, her photos, the weird knick-knacks she would find ?, etc. She loved life and her people and sought beauty amongst the fragile and broken. My world has lost some color without her in it. It’s been a blessing and an honor to love her and be loved by her. She will always be a part of me. ❤️
Mary and Dale how unbelievably sad……I can’t imagine losing someone so special.our condolences and many ?? ❤️ Take care
My sweet fairy Kari McLamb . You were a friend that I didn’t always see, but we always made sure we checked in. To be 41 and leaving this world doesn’t make sense to me and never will. However, I will always keep the special bond we shared for the past 20 years in my heart and I will carry that bond forward to others. You were empathetic, someone people could count on and TRUST. You were humble, kind and enriched so many lives with your creative presence, including mine. I love you Kari and I will miss you always.
My heart is broken. I have so many beautiful memories of Kari. As kids we called each other “bestest” friends forever. She is woven into all my childhood memories of growing up and discovering the world. Together we explored creeks and cornfields and forests. As girl-scouts we backpacked the high peaks. She would get a laugh out of everyone in the group. Kari made those summers so much fun. We broke in our boots hiking together in the woods behind our yards, talking about everything. Kari had so much to say and such a wild imagination. She made so many friends with her humor and charm and her beautiful energy. She loved and cared for so many. We lost touch at times, but she always checked in on me and offered to help. I regret that I thought I’d have more time to see her and talk with her. I regret that she never met my daughter. She was so excited for me. I just can’t believe she’s gone. I will always carry her with me in my thoughts and in my heart.
My heart goes out to Kari’s Mom and Dad, Sara, Chris, and all of Kari’s friends and family for this painful loss.❤️
Love always sweet Kari.
I learned about Kari’s passing this morning, and am in complete shock. I had met Kari at RCH, and I considered her one of my closest friends through high school and into college. We had lost touch after a while, but checked in on each other every once in a while.
Words will never do justice in describing who she was…and what type of person she was: caring, funny, and vibrant. She was a beautiful person and a wonderful friend.
My deepest condolences to her mother and father, sister Sara, husband Chris, and her friends and family.
I will never forget you, Kari,
“OJ”
Chris, Mary, Dale, Sara, and all of Kari’s family/closest friends- I’m so very sorry for Kari’s untimely passing. Like several others on here, I grew up with Kari – first at Stokes and then RCH. We kept in touch on/off over the years and I was so happy to see how happy she looked in her wedding photos, enjoying life in Rochester. Kari was never afraid to be herself and was creative, smart, and kind. A gentle and bright soul lost far too soon, and my heart is broken for all of you. Wishing you strength and grace as you navigate this path. Kari, rest in peace and may your memory be a blessing.