Karen Kurz

Karen Kurz, 66, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her beloved family on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, after a brutal battle with cancer.

Karen was preceded in death by Willa Mae Eubanks and Donald Adams.

She is survived by her six children, their spouses and her eight grandchildren. Additionally, her brother Donald Keith Adams, sister-in-law Beverly Renay Adams and their two children and four grandchildren remain in Michigan along with many dear cousins and lifelong friends.

Karen, the youngest of two children, was born on January 5, 1957, to Willa Mae Eubanks and Donald Adams in Madison Heights, Michigan. After Karen graduated from Cousino Senior High School in 1975, she went on to study Theology at Moody Bible Institute.

She graduated with a diploma in Bible and Theology in 1979 and then went on to focus on raising her family and homeschooling her children. At the age of 50, Karen went back to school and received an Associates of Applied Sciences in Information Technology with Highest Honors from Central New Mexico Community College on December 13, 2012. This same year, Karen was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor’s Society for her academic achievements at CNMCC.

She then went on to launch her second career at New Mexico Orthopedics as a Medical Records Specialist, kickstarting a twenty-year career in the medical field. She ended her career at Radiology Associates of Albuquerque, just weeks before passing.

In 1976, Karen met Robert Howard Kurz at Moody Bible Institute. Robert Kurz and Karen Adams went on to marry (July 30, 1977) and have six children: Corban James Kurz, Micah Chapman Kurz, Hannah Whitney Kurz, Duane Jess Billy, Tahiyah Jim Castiano, and Zachariah Ervin Castiano. Karen and Rob divorced in June of 2013 after 36 years of marriage.

Karen spent her spare time on her passion, which involved all things creative. She spent 26 years as a Stampin’ Up demonstrator where she built a network of lifelong friends. She also enjoyed many other creative endeavors, such as painting, drawing, scrapbooking, sewing, cross-stitching, beading, diamond art and lettering. Despite her very successful career and very busy creative passions, Karen’s true passion could be witnessed while spending time with her grandchildren.

Karen’s canine companions were also very dear to her. Lilly Girl will stay behind with family but Buster, Tucker, Shotzy, and Dino all went ahead of her.

Karen’s spiritual journey was fraught, and therefore hard-won. As a young person, she made a profession of Christian faith and was active in the church. She later parted ways with organized religion, but she never left behind her relationship with Christ. She was a deeply principled woman of integrity, always in search of the truth. In her final years, she deeply contemplated her faith, and she came full circle in her beliefs.

When Karen was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer after never having smoked, she carried herself with grace, dignity, unbelievable strength, and unfaltering love for all those around her. She never once complained or grimaced at her fate but put her head down, gritted her teeth and fought to the bitter end against this cruel disease. Her bravery in the face of unbelievable odds and her humility and grace will always serve as an example to those around her.

Karen's Life Celebration will begin with a service on Monday, November 20, 2023, at 10:00 am at Salazar Mortuary located at 400 Third St. SW, 87102. Karen will be laid to rest following the service at La Puerta Natural Burial Grounds.

The service will be livestreamed, and can be accessed by clicking on the link below. You do not need a facebook page to view the livestream.

Rustic Wranglers will be handling the flower arrangements and can be reached at 505-220-2255.