[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 38 (Wednesday, April 10, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO KAREN ADAMS

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I rise 
today to recognize the life and contributions of Karen Adams of Pueblo, 
Colorado, who peacefully left us in February. Karen was a popular 
member and leader of the community and was often sought by many for her 
listening ear, advice, and warm smile. She struggled in a long battle 
with cancer, and as her family mourns her loss, I would like to take 
this opportunity to bring forth her accomplishments and gentle kindness 
before this body of Congress and this nation.
  As a dedicated resident and business owner of the Pueblo community, 
Karen was often at the forefront of improving her surroundings. She, 
along with husband William, proudly operated Sunscapes Rare Plant 
Nursery, a successful horticulture business in the area. Remarkably, 
Karen managed to run this business while raising a family that 
appreciated and valued the importance of hard work, honor, and 
perseverance. She raised her sons Greg, Mark, Will and daughter Beth to 
be respectful individuals who are determined to succeed in their 
pursuits. Karen's influence touched many lives outside of her immediate 
family and she was known as a loving friend to many.
  Karen was a true lover of the outdoors and could often be found 
improving her natural surroundings. She was often spotted along the 
highway or interstate cleaning and beautifying the area and eventually 
founded the Pueblo Clean Community Commission in the 1970s. She could 
be found improving the appearance of the city by lending her time and 
energy to beautifying several sites with rock gardens to improve their 
aesthetic appearances. She contributed to her community as a member of 
several wonderful organizations including the Pueblo Zoological 
Society, the Historical Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo Foundation, and 
was a horticulturist at the Pueblo Zoo. Her efforts and leadership to 
improving her community and its residents are remarkable and they will 
indeed be missed by a grateful community.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute Karen Adams and the great 
strides she took in establishing herself as a valuable leader in the 
Pueblo community. Her dedication to family, friends, work, environment, 
and the community certainly deserves the recognition of this body of 
Congress and a grateful nation. Although Karen has left us, her good-
natured spirit lives on through the lives of those she touched. I would 
like to extend my regrets and deepest sympathies to Karen's family and 
friends during this difficult time of remembrance and bereavement.




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