Karen Sue Martin

Karen Sue (Runkel) Martin, 78, passed away peacefully and surrounded by her family on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville. 

She was born on February 11, 1947, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to the late C. Herbert and Elizabeth Christina (David) Runkel.

Karen dedicated her life to the arts and education, serving as a professor at Miami-Dade College for twenty-four years. Her passion for theatre not only influenced countless students but also enriched the cultural landscape of the community. 

She was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Staunton, where she participated in the Episcopal Church Women’s Club and the parish's Novel Theology reading group. Additionally, she regularly volunteered for Trinity's Noon Lunch program, served as an English tutor for immigrants, and even found time to volunteer at the local public library.

A woman of many interests, Karen was an avid quilter, donating her finished quilts to charity, and a voracious reader, spending countless hours immersed in her books. Karen was an enthusiastic gardener and her love for travel took her across Europe, experiencing new cultures and landscapes.

Karen is survived by her loving husband, Michael Martin; her daughter, Abigail Purdy and her husband, Steven; her sons, Zachary Martin and his wife, Erin Mushalla, and Nathaniel Martin and his wife, Jeissy; her grandchildren, Bec Purdy and husband, Dylan McMahan, and Derek and Dylan Martin; her great-granddaughters, Morgan and Alex; her brother, David Herbert Runkel, Sr. and his wife, Marcia; her niece, Kristen Kelleher; and her nephews, David H. Runkel, Jr., Stephen Lawson, Robert Lawson, and Brian Martin.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Barbara Ann Runkel.

A memorial service will be conducted at 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Staunton with the Reverends William “A.J.” Heine and Cara Ellen Modisett officiating. A catered fellowship lunch will be provided and will follow the service at McCracken Hall, next to the parish church.

The family suggests that those who wish to make memorial contributions consider donating to National Public Radio's WMRA - Harrisonburg (983 Reservoir Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801), Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Habitat for Humanity (PO Box 3188, Staunton, VA 24402), the Trinity Noon Lunch Program (PO Box 208, Staunton, VA 24401), or to the Augusta Regional SPCA (P.O. Box 2014, Staunton, VA 24402).