Karen Ann Couves passed away on September 6, 2025, on the descent of hiking Mount Kilimanjaro. It was only fitting that the most badass woman and mother accomplished her 30-year goal of summiting the tallest mountain in Africa before her peaceful and early departure at the age of 57.

Long before she hiked one of the Seven Summits, Karen was born to Jim and Romy Wright in Prague, Czech Republic. Her childhood brought her all over the world: from Ethiopia to China, France, and Canada. Her travels as a child allowed her to appreciate people of all backgrounds. She was an advocate for all people, believing that we should uplift women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community. Karen had a knack for connecting with people. She was an expert at putting herself in others’ shoes, using her bubbly and warm personality to make everybody feel comfortable in her presence.

Karen graduated from McGill University in Montreal, Québec. Karen then briefly lived in Ottawa and Toronto before moving to the state of Iowa in 2003. Karen continued to make an impact on everyone she met, making lifelong friends that she shared her signature laugh with. Her friends and family will remember the way she persevered through tough times with strength, humor, and inspiring Glennon Doyle quotes. Karen also supported her friends through their own tough times. She would offer a listening ear on a walk or drop off a thoughtful gift on their porch. Karen was a consistent reminder that we can do hard things, and she demonstrated her beliefs through her own actions.

As a single mother in 2014, Karen went back to school at Iowa State University, where she earned her Masters in Education. While defending her thesis, Karen spoke about one of the reasons that she went back to school: to show her daughters that any goal is possible at any age. She was the greatest role model to her three daughters.

She then extended her passion for the well-being of her community by implementing mindfulness pedagogy into the Department of Education at Iowa State University. Her impacts and leadership were so strongly felt by the community that she was nominated as a Cardinal Woman at Iowa State University. She then joined the Iowa Department of Corrections, helping members re-entering society summit their own mountains so that they could support their communities and make healthy decisions.

Most of all, Karen lived for the little things in life. She loved nature, fresh air, and sunshine. She enjoyed vintage thrifting, kayaking at Ada Hayden Heritage Park, owl watching, and walking with her dog, Winnie. Her outdoor activities always took a little longer in May and June because she would take time to enjoy the blooming peonies, her favorite type of flower.

Karen is survived by her three daughters and two son-in-laws, Madison (Mitch), Chloe, and Lauren (Brett), her mother, Romy, and her beloved dog, Winnie (also known as Roofie Poof, Miss Poof, or just Poof). Karen is preceded in death by her father, Jim.

An open house celebration for Karen Couves will be held at Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa on Saturday, October 4th from 1-4 pm. In honor of Karen’s love for nature and her bright personality, we ask that guests wear something related to nature, florals, or the color rust orange. Flowers are welcome and can be sent to the address listed below. Donations to "The Beacon" are also welcome. This is a safe and supportive living environment for adult women in central Iowa who have faced trauma and systemic inequity - a cause that Karen cared deeply about. The website for donations to this organization is also listed below. 

Speeches from friends and family will take place at 2:00 pm.

Address for celebration of life:

Remain Gardens - Garden Room

1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011

Website for donations to The Beacon:

https://thebeacondm.org/ 

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