Kara Wickens
Obituary
A Life with Purpose
It is with profound sadness that the family of Kara Veronica Wickens announces her untimely passing. Although her time with us ended sooner than expected, Kara lived a full and adventurous life filled with love from her family, dear friendships, and her passion for education.
Kara earned her Masters of Education through Western University, during which she volunteered her time to international students. This helped shape her conviction that people everywhere have fascinating stories that deserve to be shared with those who appreciate them. In her own words, “I believe that passionate, committed, and clever people must realize their natural gifts in order to make positive changes in the world.” This was Kara’s philosophy of living life with intent.
A natural born teacher, Kara was an advocate for equality in education amongst Indigenous students. Learning the traditional Indigenous path was important to Kara. She had a meaningful Impact on anyone’s life she touched. She had an inherent desire to help people achieve their goals, which became evident during her time at Canadian Mental Health Association-Hastings & Prince Edward.
Kara has published numerous research publications including;
Homeless Late in Life: A Study of Homeless Seniors. Canadian Mental Health Association. Hastings-Prince Edward County. 2016 and made impactful change having served on dozens of committees including; The City of Belleville Accessibility Committee, and Anti-poverty roundtable committees. Kara was awarded the Ontario Volunteer Service Award of the year for her work in community development with the Community Development Council of Quinte and the Picton Business Improvement Association.
Predeceased by her mother Veronica (Roni) Summers Wickens, to whom Kara looked to as a mentor for kindness, generosity and humanitarianism. She was a champion for anyone who had ever been judged unfairly, or treated unjustly solely as a result of misperception, stigma, and fear. Having faced such challenges in her own life, Kara felt compelled to share with the world her story of unheard, determined, passionate people coming together to change, heal and grow.
Kara is survived by her very proud and loving father, Wayne Wickens. The two shared a special bond which led them on countless adventures together across the globe, with Wayne at the wheel and Kara with a plan. A team for which there is no comparison. Kara and Wayne shared several interests and in many ways were each other’s heroes.
Kara is the beloved ‘little’ big sister to Kayne Wickens (Brittany) and Makenzie Wickens-Viola (Ryan). She was considered a compass of good for her family, to whom they would turn to for guidance, wisdom and for her sense of humour. Immensely proud of her many accomplishments, Kara’s smile, laughter, and kindness will fill our hearts forever. She will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family of Kara Wickens ask that you consider making a donation in Kara’s name to the following charities that support indigenous children and their pursuit of furthering their education. We have recommended Truenorthaid.ca and ilovefirstpeoples.ca
