Karen B. Aldrich, whose faith and love impacted all those who came to know her, beloved wife and mother of four, died from advanced breast cancer Thursday surrounded by her family in her home in Wilson. She was 53.

Karen originally was an elementary teacher and her patient, guiding kindness and faith continued as she raised four loving children and was treasured by countless others.

Karen Burnham was born in Elmira, New York on January 19, 1954. She was the second of five children born to Robert and Valera Burnham. Her father served in the Second World War, and then returned to work as a fireman. Her mother had a love of learning and volunteered for many years as a librarian.

At Thomas Alva Edison High school, her love of music, vocal talent, and engaging personality naturally led her to perform in musicals - songs which she continued to sing throughout her life - cheerleading, and to form deep, lasting friendships. Family gatherings frequently included uproarious tales of famous antics involving her and close friend Ellen McCaulley.

Karen and her mother, while trying to find SUNY-Cobleskill, joked that a herd of cows in a field must be it and soon realized they were correct. Before graduating with a degree in early childhood education, her time in Cobleskill led her to meet Dan Aldrich at a Christmas party while he was home from college. She ensured he studied; he ensured she married him in 1974. She agreed on the condition he support her continuing education.

What she considered her life's work began in 1977 with the birth of their first child, Elizabeth. Mark, Abigail, and Matthew followed. Her children profess her parenting as "faith, hope, and love – but the greatest of these is love."

Her devotion to her children and her belief in the importance of education led her to begin homeschooling at a time while it was still controversial. As the family moved to Wilson, she was a leader in the Wilson Area Home Educators and regularly calmly helped parents deal with stressful situations. She spent 14 years homeschooling one or more of her children. While passionate about quality children's education, she believed true learning continues throughout life and beyond. She believed a well-rounded education includes arts, sciences, biblical studies and requires service.

Despite her many duties as a full-time wife and mother, and as a frequent volunteer, she returned to school in 1993 at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, taking classes as she could fit them in. In 1999 she achieved a life long goal, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies. She continued studying at Southeastern, and in 2005 earned a Masters of Divinity, attending full-time even while undergoing chemotherapy during her final semesters.

The family attends Raleigh Road Baptist Church, where Karen was an integral member. She was heavily active in youth and children's ministries, several times organizing Vacation Bible School and serving as a Sunday School teacher. She had a heart for missions and went on many mission trips including trips to New Hampshire, Miami, Brazil, and Southeast Asia. She served as a prayer partner for several missionaries and even spent a time showering with cold water when she learned that a missionary friend had only cold water. Despite her physical infirmities, she continued steadfastly, presently serving as head of the Women's Ministry.

She documented many of her highs and lows of diagnosis and treatment online here and people from around the world sent messages of gratitude and thanks for her words of hope and faith. She was active in the local cancer support group and speaker at the Relay for Life Survivors Banquet in 2006 where she spoke on Learning, Loving, Laughing, and the Lord. She regularly spoke to people known and unknown upon their own diagnoses, sharing wisdom, hope and love. Throughout her treatment, she did not complain; instead she radiated joy - demonstrating unbelievable courage - and was eternally hopeful to the end. She reassured her loved ones by saying "The worst case scenario is that I go to heaven."

Her radiant loving smile, vibrant adventurous spirit, genuine concern for all, and easy laugh endeared her to many; and she was loved by everyone who knew her. Many around the globe considered her a friend who stuck closer than a sister. She was known for her enthusiasm, encouragement, and embodiment of the fruit of the Spirit.

The family will receive friends today from 1-4 pm at Raleigh Road Baptist Church, 4105 Raleigh Road, Wilson, NC 27893. Funeral services will be held there as well today at 7 pm. Flowers are welcome, also memorials to the RRBC building fund would be appreciated.

She is survived by her husband, W. Daniel Aldrich of Wilson, NC; two daughters, Elizabeth Aldrich, of Wilson, NC and Abigail Korfmann and husband Christopher of Lynchburg, VA; two sons, Mark Aldrich of Wilson, NC and Matthew Aldrich and fiancée Joy Barefoot of Wilson, NC; parents, Robert and Valera Burnham of Elmira Heights, NY; two sisters, Susan Bailey of Elmira, NY and Janice Herrity of Newport News, VA; one brother, Robert Burnham Jr. of Elmira Heights, NY; and one grandchild, as yet unborn.

Arrangements are by Joyner's Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson.