Kari Vink-Lainas

Kari Vink-Lainas, 52, passed away on September 21, 2023, at home, in Troy.  She died in her sleep, peacefully.

Predeceased:  Urve (Edor) Vink-Lainas, mother and Toomas Vink-Lainas, father, and her beloved Jackson.

Surviving:   Her companion and love of her life, Shawn Prue, her brother Paul Vink-Lainas and Susan (Eccles) Vink-Lainas; their children, Erik W. Vink-Lainas and wife Jessica (Block) Vink-Lainas and Liisi K. Vink-Lainas.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Kari’s story started well before she was born when her parents, as children, emigrated with their parents from the country of Estonia in the mid 1940’s.  The families were escaping Russian take over due to the war. (WWII)  After entering the United States through Ellis Island the family settled in Queens, NY.

Kari was born in NYC on August 16, 1971.  She and her brother, Paul, spent their childhood in Queens enjoying Estonian summer camps and school.  She was a dancer with the Estonian Troop, Saare Vikat, performing folk dance at various events and festivals.  She attended Stuyvesant High School in NYC. She went on to attend Penn State University at Altoona and wound up studying photography.

She was a bright, beautiful and talented young woman.  She was artistic and creative; always creating something…cooking something.  Whether it was an art piece or foods and treats, she was as creative in the kitchen as she was out. Making cakes and cookies and candies for every occasion gave her joy.  Kari, generously, shared these talents with her friends and family.  She had many friends that she cared deeply for…both new and old.

How did Kari end up in Troy?  Paul went to college at RPI where he met his wife, Susan and started a family. Her mother, Urve, moved to be closer to her grandchildren.  Kari soon followed to be closer to everyone.  She proudly became Godmother to her nephew, Erik, and helped welcome her new little niece, Liisi.  Their relationship grew strong.  She adored them.  She was thrilled to take part in Erik’s wedding last October when he married Jessica Block.

Little did Kari know, she was to meet a man in Troy who would play a very big part in her life, Shawn Prue.  Although they never wed, their relationship of 20 years was made of everything a marriage should have; trust, understanding, consideration, devotion and mostly true love.  If there was ever a question, (there wasn’t), Shawn showed how devoted he was/is by taking on what is the hardest job ever imagined.   He dropped everything to personally take care of Kari, his love.  He never wavered and for that we are forever gratefully.  He loved our beautiful Kari…and she loved him.

Family and friends are invited and may call Tuesday September 26, 2023 from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm with services at 6:30 pm at the Wynantskill Funeral Home, 294 Whiteview Road Wynantskill, NY 12198.

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