Karen Achen

DOROTHY KAREN THOMPSON ACHENA resident of Albuquerque, NM since 1962, died on July 15, 2012. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Jim Achen; sons, Jim Achen, Jr. and wife Amy of Phoenix, AZ, and Eric Achen of Albuquerque; and grandchildren, Jim III, Dillon and Kassandra. Karen was born December 21, 1944 to Lelia Dorothy Doggett Thompson and John Murray Thompson, in Washington, D.C. She lived her early life in Silver Spring, MD. She was the youngest of five vibrant and talented sisters. Karen enjoyed a rich childhood sharing summers with her sisters at Camp Appalachia, a family-owned camp on the Jackson River in Virginia. She cherished these memories her entire life and stayed involved in managing the camp. Karen graduated from Montgomery Blair High School and received her degree in Psychology from the University of New Mexico, where she met her husband Jim and was voted the Sweetheart of Sigma Chi. Karen became the state executive director of New Mexico Psychological Association. One of her greatest accomplishments was working for and achieving mental health parity on a national level. She was honored as the State Executive Director of the year for the National Psychological Association. Karen was instrumental in the opening and administration of the Albuquerque Museum of Natural History. She was active in the Junior League and an active volunteer in civic beautification. Most of all, Karen's heart was centered on family and friends. There was never a forgotten birthday or anniversary. Her listening ear brought comfort and encouragement to many people. She will be remembered for her beauty, intelligence, graciousness, and that million- dollar smile. In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by her beloved sister, Miriam Blake of Silver Spring, MD. She leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews throughout the country, who she loved dearly, and a wide circle of friends from all walks of life. A celebration of Karen's life will be planned at a later date. Donations may be made to the SPCA and the Leukemia Society.