Kara Charlene Kesanooksisk, an artist, poet and fisherwoman, died Nov. 28 in Sitka. She was 61.
A celebration of her life will be scheduled later.
Kara was born Oct. 10, 1954, in Kansas, the daughter of Donna Charlene (Carrier) Sisk. A Sitka resident for more than 20 years, she attended the University of Alaska Southeast.
Along with fishing, she was a ward clerk-medical secretary-referral coordinator at SEARHC; and owned a coffee shop and Island Girl Taxi business.
She married Maria Kesanook Oct. 10, 2010, at Provincetown, Mass.
Kara’s interests and talents were varied. She painted and drew; did beadwork, knitting and ceramics; collected shells and baubles; was a singer; played video games; hiked; enjoyed karate; and made life fun.
She also was a published writer and poet.
“Kara lived true to her beliefs. She was the truest friend in every sense of the word,” friends wrote. “Kara was a kind and loving spirit and cheered for everyone. She loved animals and was sensitive to their needs.
“She was very giving of her time, belongings and laughter. Kara was a loving and caring wife.”
Survivors include Maria Daniell Kesanooksisk; brothers Edward L.(Teresa) Sisk and David (Lana) Sisk, both of Wichita, Kansas; three nieces; and two nephews.
The family suggests memorials be made in Kara’s name to Raven Radio.
