Karen McCulley, executive vice president with the Weitzman Group in Dallas, was recognized in Texas circles as pioneer for women in commercial real estate, achieving numerous "firsts" for the ranks. Each year, she earned a top ranking for deal making, including 2002, in her specialty field of tenant representation. As a project leasing agent, she handled some of the region's most prominent shopping centers, including the Highlands of Flower Mound, Polo Towne Crossing and Windhaven Plaza, both in Plano, the Centre at Preston Ridge in Frisco, Cameron Crossing in McKinney and Twin Creeks Village in Allen. Her client list included such top names as Applebee's.

The Dallas-Fort Worth real estate community rallied to McCulley's side in her battle with cancer to set up an annual fund raiser, held each December, with the proceeds going to her favorite charity, Common Cares Cancer Foundation. Weitzman vows the fund raiser, "Karen's Deal," will continue as a memorial. She died April 16.

Born March 13, 1949, she graduated magna cum laude from Texas Tech University in Lubbock. She was involved in numerous organizations and served on the board of the Common Cares Cancer Foundation. She is survived by her daughter, Kendall Stixrood; father, George McCulley; and brother, Frank MCulley. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Common Cares Cancer Foundation, 11661 Preston Rd., Suite 154, Dallas, TX 75230. Services will be held tomorrow at 11 a.m. in Prestonwood Baptist Church at 6801 W. Park Blvd. Visitation is tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home at 7405 W. NW Highway.