Clinton - Karen Gardeski, 65, of Clinton, New York passed away on Friday, April 17th, 2026, after a long battle with kidney failure and its complications. A devoted daughter, mother, and wife, the loss of her presence will be felt deeply, and for many years to come.

Born in Syracuse, New York, on November 20th, 1961, Karen and her twin sister were adopted by Annabelle and Walter Rhodes of Canastota, New York.

Early in her adult life, Karen worked as a Nurse’s Aide at Faxton Hospital in Utica, New York. She left this position to focus on raising her son and daughter, before returning to her schooling through SUNY Oneonta to receive her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education in 2005. She later worked with the Children’s Dyslexia Center Central New York and loved her tenure there.

Karen loved the Lord with every part of her being. She attended and was a pillar of her church community, at Redeemer Church in Utica, New York for the last forty-five years.

Karen loved her family deeply, and kept her friends close to her heart even in hard times. You could find her any given Tuesday or Thursday having coffee with her best friend of 40+ years. She considered spending a day with her family, and her dog, Max, to be the best kind of day.

She is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Glen Gardeski; her son and daughter, whom she loved deeply, Scott and Melissa Gardeski; Twin Sister, Kelly Dinunzio; and Mother, Annabelle Rhodes. She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Rhodes; and her two brothers, Keith and Kevin Rhodes.

Karen’s Celebration of Life will be held at 3pm on Sunday, April 26th, 2026, at Redeemer Church in Utica, New York. Redeemer Church is located at 931 Herkimer Rd. Utica, NY.

In lieu of flowers, Karen’s family has requested that donations be made to the Children’s Dyslexia Center Central New York – Checks can be made out to Children’s Dyslexia Center Central New York (CDC CNY 103 for short) and sent to the Center at PO Box 638, 8280 Rt. 69, Oriskany, NY 13424.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego Street, Ilion, NY 13357.

To leave condolences for Karen’s family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com.