Karen (Phillips) Arey

Karen (Phillips) Arey of Deland, FL, formerly of Mecklenburg, NY, passed away on March 22, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Ithaca, NY, March 26, 1941 to the late Karl and Florence (George) Phillips. Upon graduation from Ithaca High School Karen attended the University of Rochester School of Nursing. She married Peter Albertsman in 1959 and had four children. She was predeceased by her sons, Peter and Jeffrey Albertsman. She is survived by her husband, Chester Arey; sons Brian (Tristin) and Douglas (Joelle) Albertsman; grandchildren Joseph, Nathan (Charlotte Robinson), Nicco, Vincent, and Lillian Albertsman; great-granddaughter Harper Albertsman; sister, Kathi English and nephew Greg English. Karen served as a Teller at the Tompkins Trust Company prior to moving to Florida with her husband, Chet. She and Chet formed Arey Services specializing in estate sales and antiques. They owned a Christmas tree farm for 15 years and started a nursery. She had an antique shop in Mt. Dora and one in Deland with Rosemary Newton called The Little Shop Around the Corner. She was an avid gardener and an active member of the Deleon Springs Garden Club where she served as treasurer for many years. Karen was a devout Christian and member of the St. Peter Catholic Church, Deland, FL. She was soft-spoken and always supportive, As with her boys, her grandchildren gave her tremendous joy, and she cherished her time with them. Karen enjoyed traveling and visiting family and friends. Growing up she loved horseback riding and won many awards as an equestrian. She greatly enjoyed fishing, golf, and the outdoors. Through a wildlife program she raised over 50 baby raccoons and 2 skunks. Her nursery specialized in milkweed and last year raised and released over 325 monarch butterflies. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, April 4th at the Glenwood Presbyterian Church, 3190 Grand Ave., Deland, FL. The committal service will be held at the convenience of the family at St. James the Apostle Cemetery, Trumansburg, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org/ May perpetual light shine on Karen

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