Kara Wickens
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
We are so sorry to hear of this unbelievable loss of your daughter for you and your family.
Harry and Linda
Kara was wonderful and kind when I met with her before starting my program at Western. She patiently answered all my questions and provided valuable advice that reassured me as I began my studies. I was sad to learn of Kara’s passing. My condolences to her family and friends.
I am so sorry to hear that, may Allah rest her soul in peace 🙏
We are so sorry to hear of Kara’s passing. Our condolences to Kara’s family. She was an inspiration to many. Her kind, good-hearted nature will not be forgotten.
Think the world of you Kara. Smart, compassionate, funny, and super reliable. I treasure both our incidental and purposeful conversations. Without hesitation, you always put the needs of our students first. To your family, I am sorry for the deeply loss of your remarkable daughter.
It fills my heart with tremendous sadness to learn that we lost one of the great ones. Over the last three or so years that I knew Kara in the Faculty of Education at Western University, she remained a steadfast advocate for Indigenous students. Kara was never content with the status quo, and she wasn’t interested in relegating social justice and equity in society to a discussion point. She was passionate about putting words to action. I will always remember her as an incredible human being, and I will miss her dearly.
Safe journey on your way home, Kara. My heart and sincere condolences go out to Kara’s family and friends.
Brent Debassige
My deepest sympathies to your entire family. May the loving memories of your sister and daughter, Kara Wickens, ease your loss and bring comfort to you during this difficult time of grieving.
My deepest condolences to the Wickens family on your tragic loss. Kara will be greatly missed.
Kara, you were a tremendous advocate for those who experienced marginalization. You set the bar high for we who remain, to follow in your footsteps. I mourn your loss and the quieting of your voice.
May the knowledge of your impact on your Western family bring comfort.
Sincere condolences are sent to Kara’s family. I enjoyed all my interactions with Kara at Western and can appreciate what a terrible loss her passing is for her family. May Kara rest in peace. May your memories of Kara bring you comfort.
I would not be the person I am today without Kara’s friendship in my life. It was a privilege to go through so many stages of my life with her by my side, and I will miss her always. My deepest condolences to the WIckens family.
My deepest condolences to the Wickens family. Kara was a great colleague, inspiring in her determination, strength, and perseverance. Kara, you will be greatly missed.
I’m so saddened to hear of Kara’s passing. I have fond memories with Kara when we lived in residence beside each other at King’s. My deepest sympathies are with her family and friends during this time, the world lost a beautiful, kind soul, way too soon.
Sincere condolences to the Wickens family. Kara truly had an impact on those around her. She believed in her cause, and fought for it with a tenacious spirit. Wishing you all comfort in this most difficult time.
God bless Kara who is now in heaven with her mother in the presence of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Our thoughts and prayers are for the family.
Our deepest sympathies and Condolences to the Wickens family on the loss of your daughter and sister. She will be rememberred for her smiles and compassion. Kara you will be missed.
Deepest condolences to Wayne and the Wickens family on your tragic loss.
May your memories of Kara’s beautiful soul bring you comfort.
My deepest condolences to Wayne, Kayne, Kenzie and the rest of Kara’s Famiy (and friends). I am very saddened to hear of her passing.
Such a brave and wise force for good in this world. Well done, Kara.
Although we never had the pleasure of meeting Kara as an adult we can see from the many tributes she was a loving and caring person as are all my Wickens cousins. Deepest Sympathy Wayne and family. Collin and Jane
Our heartfelt sympathy to you Wayne, Kenz and Kayne and your entire family. As I read your family’s beautiful tribute, it brought to mind what a wonderful, caring young woman Kara was, and how lucky she was to call you her family. May you find peace through this most difficult time. XX
My sincere condolences to Kara’s family. I had the pleasure of working with her at Canadian Mental Health; she was very smart and very kind, a pleasure to know.
I’m so sorry to read this and send my deepest condolences to your family. I was lucky to be one of many that worked with Kara at Canadian Mental Health Association. She was so sweet, so smart and so full of passion for her work!
She made a positive difference in so many people’s lives. I’ll always remember her beautiful smile and her determination in all things she was involved in.
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family. Kara was a friendly and vibrant person who held empathy and openness to those around her. A privilege to spend time with someone with her integrity. She will be held in good memory.
Our Condolences to Wayne and his family,and the Summers family for the loss
of Kara. So Sorry! The Gianino’s & Pellgata Family.
What an incredible life she lived, dedicating herself to others through education and social justice. I still have very vivid memories of Kara’s brilliance
and kindness throughout highschool. I can’t imagine the pain your family is going through. My thoughts and condolences to all during this difficult time.
Dawn & I are profoundly sorry to learn of Kara’s passing We knew her from the time she was born, and watched her grow to become the beautiful, talented, young woman, who graced the world with her generosity and love. Our condolences go out to Wayne, Kayne, Kenzie and the Wickens/Summers families.
With love and deep sorrow, Dawn & Bill Ott
To Wayne, Kayne and Makenzie, I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Kara’s death. She accomplished so much in her short life and will be missed by many. With my deep sympathy and prayers, Jan Sosiak
Wayne and Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. The loss of a loved one is always difficult, take comfort in the memories you cherish. God bless.
Catherine Duville (Lacoursiere)
Wayne, my deepest condolences to you and your family on the sudden loss of your beautiful daughter. My heart is breaking for you all.
Wayne and family, my deepest sympathies to you on the passing of your beautiful daughter/sister. My heart breaks for you all. God Bless.
Dear Wayne, Kayne and Mackenzie, There are no words, I am so sorry to hear this devastating news. Kara was a beautiful outstanding compassionate caring young woman, cherish your memories. Hilda
We are so sad to see this. Deepest condolences to all of the family.
I’m so shocked and saddened to hear about the loss of Kara. She touched the lives of so many people. I feel so lucky to have known her, even if it was for such a short time.
My heart goes out to Wayne and his family. Wayne you are in my thoughts. Kara was an extraordinary young woman. Her passion and inspiration will live on all that she touched.
So very saddened to hear of Kara’s passing. She was a bright and shining star who touched many lives with her compassion and zest for life. She was a talented and beautiful young lady with an infectious smile. My thoughts and prayers to Wayne and the Wickens/Summers Family. She will be greatly missed by all. Our sincere condolences. Thinking of you all. Jim and Annette.
I am so sorry to hear of this precious girls’ death. Wayne, I wish I were closer to give you a giant hug.
Wayne and family, our hearts go out to you all after hearing this tragic news. You are in our thoughts.
Love, peace, and heartiest of condolences to all of Kara’s friends and family. Her example continues to shine.
To Kara’s family, I send my heartfelt sympathies. The news of her passing came as a shock to me. Although I did not know her well, she had impacted my life through her kindness, and will be missed.
I was so saddened to hear of Kara’s passing. For many of us, Kara has been a gentle guide and a beacon of information on our student journey. She answered questions with patience and kindness. She will be missed, and my deepest condolences extend to her family. I will be lifting you in prayer.
Thinking about you and your family Wayne. I can see that Kara was a amazing social justice advocate like her mother. What a loss.
Deirdre and Bill
Such a kind hearted woman taken on her spirit journey far too soon. She always offered a helping hand and her enthusiasm was contagious.
Deepest condolences to all her family and friends. I will forever remember her kindness.
Wayne and Family we are so sorry to hear of your daughter/sisters passing. Our hearts break for you all. Nancy and I are thinking of you and your family. Take care and God Bless
We love you Kara, and we are thinking about you today so we thought we’d let you know that you are loved, and missed, and when we remember your quick wit it makes us smile, often.
Love
Uncle Jeremy and Sarah
Xo
Thank you, Kara, for being such a bright spot in my life. I am so proud to have known you, first as a student at Nicholson, and later when we reconnected on Facebook. Your inner strength and beautiful soul will always be an inspiration to me.
My condolences to all your family and friends. Godspeed dear Kara.