ForeverMissed
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The memories we hold of those few people whose lives shine brightly even through the most difficult times can never be extinguished. Although she left us far too early, Andrea's light will remain bright for decades to come in the memories of those blessed to know and love her.

A talented painter and gifted writer, she had recently published her first novel and was working on a second. Her writing illustrates to the reader an authentically kind, gentle and patient soul, who nurtured those around her and never turned down anyone in need.

After graduating from Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Poughkeepsie, NY,  Andrea was accepted to attend the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University.  But home and her animals called, and she chose to stay closer to them and attend the State University of New York at Albany.  And, despite all her gifts, it was the love of horses that called to her and she changed course to devote her time and talents to continuing her equestrian career.  She was successful in the show ring, but found her true calling out on the trail.  She cherished long trail rides and camping with her family and horses in and around the quiet Pennsylvania countryside. She competed in many endurance rides, but her happiest times were trotting down the trail on one of her cherished Arabian mares, accompanied by her life partner and truest love, Derick Rudolph, as well as her mother and friend, Christine Terbush.  This brought her immense joy and a deep sense of peace.

While Andrea's work in art and with animals was significant, it was Kyle Drugan, Andrea's son, who held the center of her life. Spend a minute with Kyle, and you will immediately see the gifts of Andrea's intelligence, kindness, trustworthiness, and sharp wit shining through her son. He was raised to be an adventurer, possessing his mother's spirit, and has grown into a principled, hardworking, and thoughtful young man who brought her enormous pride.

Andrea was blessed with a kind heart, a brilliant mind, a quick wit, and a compassionate soul. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten by Derick, her mother Christine, her son Kyle, her beloved brother Brendon Sirko, father Loren Sirko, stepfather Gary Terbush, and her numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who knew and loved her.  May she rest in peace, knowing her life was a blessing that will live on through the light she left to all who were fortunate to have known her.


In lieu of flowers, Andrea would love to know that she was continuing to help animals in need through a donation to https://foreverloverescue.com/how-to-help-animals/.  She loved being surrounded by her cats, and had a tremendous heart for all animals. Thank you.
May 31, 2023
May 31, 2023
To one of the most beautiful, brave, bold, amazingly personable, friendly, and memorable people I had the pleasure of showing Arabians with and riding the trail! You are so loved and live on within so so so many of us! Much love, dear friend! I would say rest in peace, but that is not you, you were always riding and loving others and making the best of life! Keep doing that! We will meet again! 

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May 31, 2023
May 31, 2023
To one of the most beautiful, brave, bold, amazingly personable, friendly, and memorable people I had the pleasure of showing Arabians with and riding the trail! You are so loved and live on within so so so many of us! Much love, dear friend! I would say rest in peace, but that is not you, you were always riding and loving others and making the best of life! Keep doing that! We will meet again! 
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Ways to Remember Andrea on Her Birthday

December 18, 2023
Here's some ideas how to celebrate Andrea's life today on her birthday:

1. Take a special someone out to dinner and dance or just spend some quality time with them
2. Go trail riding - especially with family and friends somewhere special
3. Read the book she wrote "Last Rides"
4. Work on finishing the second book she was working on
5. Watch "The Black Stallion" or read the book by Walter Farley
6. Write your own novel
7. Cook up something special if you have the time and energy.
Or crack open Kraft Macaroni & Cheese box and hot dogs if you don't.
8. Remodel a Breyer
9. Draw or paint (a horse, or whatever is in your heart and on your mind)
10. Make a donation to a rescue or adopt a critter
11. Buy something at Tractor Supply, or operate a fork lift
12. Sing "Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport" - Andrea was thrilled when a singer came to St. Joseph and picked HER to sing that song with him, so she taught it to me.... (it's by Rolf Harris, if you don't know it there's a youtube of it - several actually, one with the Beatles if you're a fan, a dance version, etc.. and there's lyrics on good ole Google). But if Andrea taught it to you, I'm sure you couldn't ever forget it!
13. Play "Zanzibar" by Billy Joel
14. Plan a gathering with family or host friends
15. Breed a mare and raise foals (preferably Arabian)
16. Watch horse races
17. Go endurance riding
18. Do some cartwheels, and walk as far as you can on your hands - for those still spry enough to try this... she could go all the way across the school gymn on her hands... 
19. Dress up and throw an awesome birthday party complete with cake and pin the tail on the donkey
20. Go for a good gallop. Or take a best friend for a walk. 

- Grayce Armstrong



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