Karen Lewis Fincher

 A bright light has dimmed in our lives with the passing of Karen Lewis Fincher.  Karen died on February 18, 2024 at the age of 69 with her loving husband, Sam, and her cat, Hannah, by her side. She was a caring, kind and selfless person who always thought of others before herself, even during her lengthy battle with cancer.

 Karen was raised in the North Valley where her love of animals, especially cats, was nurtured.  She graduated from Valley High School, spent some time off and on in California, but came back to New Mexico eventually settling in Bernalillo.

Karen worked in electrical supplies at various companies, including GE and Electrolink Sales.  Everyone in the industry knew Karen, who greeted all with a beaming smile, a wealth of knowledge, and friendly efficiency.  She met her electrician husband, Sam, when he went to buy some pipes and electrical wire— and sparks flew.  After learning about some friends who were getting hitched in Las Vegas, they went along for the ride and made it a double wedding.  Karen and Sam were married for close to 40 years.

Clad in leather boots, chaps, and vest, Karen rode with Sam on his Harley Davidson motorcycles to explore New Mexico and Colorado.   They attended several Motorcycle rallies on his Road King where they made some life long friends.  Karen loved to spend time in Jemez - initially camping and then owning a cabin at one time.

Karen enjoyed going to garage sales and antique stores with her sister Elaine, and she loved having lunch with her girlfriends whom she met during her electrical career.  During the pandemic, she and Sam started working on jigsaw puzzles - there was always a new one to piece together.  Karen walked her dog, Niki, daily.  Yes, to give them both some exercise, but to check on her neighbors in Bernalillo whom she loved dearly.  Karen had a sweet spot for cats - and not just her pet, Hannah, who was a stray.   She volunteered at the Fabulous Felines cat rescue for many years.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Dorothy Lewis; her sister Ellen Lewis; and in-laws Lowell and Viola Fincher. She is survived by her husband Sam Fincher; sister Elaine Lewis; brother Allen Lewis and wife, Carla Aragón all from Albuquerque. Nieces and nephews, Erin Deutsch and husband Josh of Cincinnati, OH; Sarah Lewis, Jamie Dotson and husband David, Katie Putnam and husband Shea all of Dallas, TX; great nephew, Alex Deutsch of Cincinnati, OH; great niece Dani Lapsys of Salt Lake City UT; cousin Curtis Dorn and wife, Ann of Wichita, Kansas; and the extended Fincher Family.  

The family wishes to thank her medical team at the New Mexico Cancer Center and at Bosque Trails Hospice.  Cremation has taken place; a private celebration of life will be held by the family at a later time.  Donations to benefit the Fabulous Felines Cat Rescue or the Animal Humane Society can be made in Karen’s name.