EAST HERKIMER-Mary Lou Karpiak age 57 of Piper Road, beloved wife of Theodore Karpiak entered into eternal rest on Friday morning December 12, 2003 in the comfort her home after a long illness. She was born on February 8, 1946 in Little Falls daughter of the late John and Virginia Terrnova Brandow. A lifelong area resident she was a graduate of Saint Johnsville High School. On December 15, 1979 she married Theodore Karpiak in the town of Fairfield. Mary Lou had worked for Helmot Mills, UNIVAC and the Folts Homes until her retirement in 1995. During those years she also had owned and operated the Wonder Bar Restaurant in Pullman Flats and had worked at the Mint Rose Tea Room in Herkimer. She had a strong faith in God and led a devoted Christian life. Her joy in life was being a loving wife and a caring mother and grandmother. Her leisure time was filled with gardening, feeding wild birds and cooking. She also took much pride in her large collection of stuffed bears. Mary Lou was a friend to many and will never be forgotten. Surviving are her husband of twenty-three years Theodore, one son, Chief Petty Officer, US Navy Richard Roberts and his wife Gail of Stafford, VA, A daughter Diane Baher and her husband Al of East Herkimer, three step daughters, Deborah Weston of Ilion, Elizabeth Gramel and her husband Mark of Richfield Springs, Nancy McNeil and her husband Kyle of Whitesboro, two brothers, John Proctor Brandow of New Port Richie, FL, Bernard Brandow of Saint Johnsville, three grandchildren, Evan and Haley Roberts, Tiffanie Baker along with seven step grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins including special cousins Josie and Phil Terracola, Phyllis and Don Johnson and Linda Terracola Service will be on Wednesday at 11:00 am in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer. The Reverend Mark Cunningham, Pastor of Saint Francis DeSales Church, Herkimer will officiate. Interment in Newport Cemetery will be private and at the families convenience. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.