Karen Kay LaDue

Karen Kay LaDue, aged 84, of Durham, NC, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025, surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Douglas E. LaDue I and Pauline (Kyser) LaDue.

Karen is survived by her five daughters: Denise Schumaker of Raleigh, NC; Christine Lawless of Carrboro, NC; Paula Garcia, Pamela Lewis, and Jaime (Gerald) Morris of Durham, NC; grandchildren Corey “Alex” and Cameron Lewis, Bryan and Adrianna Garcia, Logan and Luke Morris of Durham, NC, and Madison Morris of Charlotte, NC; her brother, Douglas (Patricia) LaDue II of Grandville, MI; nephews Douglas (Janet) LaDue III and Daniel (Traci) LaDue; nieces Nicolle (Brett) Holzgen and Michelle (Steve) Kuchta; and four grandnephews, all of Michigan. Perhaps most importantly, she is also survived by her beloved dog-child, Cocoa, who brought her immense joy and comfort in her final days.

Karen grew up in Lowell, MI, and attended Lowell High School. She loved animals and nature, gardening, classical music, baking, crafts, and sewing. Over the years, she held a number of jobs, including newspaper carrier, fabric and craft store manager, and cake decorator—often several at once—with the ultimate goal of ensuring her girls were always cared for. Her most important and cherished role was always that of “Mama.” She took great joy in supporting and encouraging her children and grandchildren in their many interests and pursuits—whether in art, academics, or any creative endeavor that sparked their curiosity. Karen put up an incredible fight against cancer, showing the same stubborn strength and love for life that she carried in everything she did.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In honor of Karen’s lifelong love of animals and her deep bond with her rescue pup, Cocoa, memorial donations may be made to the Animal Protection Society of Durham.