Karen Stevens Eliason

Karen Stevens Eliason, 81, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at River Landing at Sandy Ridge.

Karen was born to the late Dale Stevens and Wilma Fischer Stevens in Clark, South Dakota, on January 20, 1944.

From a young age, she was an important part of the musical life of her town, playing at church services and school performances, and she established her first studio for piano lessons in her parents’ basement when she was ten years old. She attended numerous colleges and universities as she moved around the country, finally arriving in Winston-Salem in 1975, where after a time she supported herself and her daughters by once again establishing a music studio, as well as working as the pianist for Unity Moravian Church in Lewisville, NC, and performing locally. At the same time, she learned computer programming at Winston-Salem State University and fine-tuned her musical skills at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. She also became a member and supporter of Salem Band of Winston-Salem.

On Easter Sunday 1987, she marched and played the Easter rounds for Home Moravian Church, as well as the Sunrise Service in God’s Acre in Old Salem, and then played the Easter service at Unity Moravian Church. That afternoon, she was finally able to rest while a Moravian band played the prelude, and someone else the service, for her marriage to Russell Eliason.

Music was always Karen’s life interest and purpose, and she passed on her gift and enthusiasm to her students and all those who heard her play. She had a special gift for teaching and was a sought-after tutor, including for the then-new subject of computer programming. In retirement, she was a regular visitor to and supporter of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.

But above all else, Karen was a kind person who could brighten up your day with just her radiant smile and compassionate listening. May God bless her soul. Takk for alt.

Karen is survived by Russell Eliason, her husband of 37 years; brothers, Shad (Jean), Randy, and Gary Stevens; daughters, Inga Fleischhacker (Greg Gennette) and Heidi Fleischhacker MacBride (Alex); stepchildren, Nathaniel Eliason (Emily), Justine Eliason Maher (Ryan), and Danielle Eliason ThunderHawk; and grandchildren Desmond MacBride, Fiona and Finley Maher, and Jacob, Elijah, and Issac ThunderHawk.

The family will receive friends and loved ones on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at River Landing at Sandy Ridge, 1575 John Knox Drive, Colfax, NC. 

Memorials may be made to the Salem Band, 500 South Church Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.

Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the Eliason family.