Karen Maria Schmitt

Karen Maria Schmitt, 63, of Southport, died Saturday, January 23 at a skilled nursing facility in Wilmington, NC. She’s preceded in death by her mother Aina Schmitt, and father Albert Schmitt, as well as her sister Leslie Schmitt Corkery all of Long Island, NY; and her husband Tom Dosher of Southport, NC.

She is survived by me, her son Karl Christopher Kuehn of Southport. Sometimes it feels like my mom taught me everything I know; which of course isn’t true (and would discredit a number of friends, family, and amazing teachers), but I know *is* something she would say in a heartbeat with confidence—and enough conviction to back it up.

My mom was a compassionate animal lover with an instinctive green thumb—two traits I most definitely inherited from her. She had a long loud laugh, that would go on forever as you could almost hear her replaying whatever it was she found so funny over in her head. She was a hard worker (so long as she believed in the cause), and she knew her worth. The ways in which we’re similar are probably endless, and although I am devastated that she’s passed, I couldn’t be more excited to continue to explore those similarities. To embrace them, to write them down, and to carry them with me. Forever.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic there are currently no plans for a service, but if you would like to reach out with condolences or to share a memory you can email karenofsouthport@gmail.com

One of the most important things my mom taught me was how to extract the absolute maximum amount of joy from any given situation. To appreciate that joy. And to remember there is always more joy ahead of you. I don’t plan on ever forgetting that. I love you mom. Sweet dreams. You’re my lucky charm. And I’ll see you later alligator.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.