Age 63, Luray, Va.
Karen Leigh Wickens was born on July 14, 1960, in Washington, D.C., to Jacqueline T. Wickens and Elwood “Larry” Wickens and passed away on March 2, 2024, at Winchester Medical Center.
Karen was an avid equestrian. She started riding horses at the age of 12 years old. However, it was not until the early 2000s when she was able to get back into her love of horses. She was able to get her first horse, Wish, which she named her farmette, Wicken’s Wish, after. In 2009, she was gifted Slick, who turned out to be her heart and soul horse.
Karen retired from the IT Department of Fairfax County Circuit Court in November of 2019. In her retirement, she enjoyed riding her horses with her daughter, Samantha, whom also shares in Karen’s love of horses. She also enjoyed teaching young, up and coming riders as well.
Karen was also someone you could talk to easily and she would put you in your place quickly, but with love. Karen was tough, straightforward and had a heart the size of the moon. If someone had a sick or injured animal, she would immediately offer help until the animal was able to be seen by a veterinarian or would stay until the veterinarian would arrive. She was also loved by many.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Jacqueline and Larry Wickens; her aunts, Euginia Miller and Edith Lynn; and her grandmother, Sadie Irene Tigner.
She is survived by her daughter, Samantha L. Zarek, son-in-law Alan P. Zarek and grandson Ethan M. Zarek; brother, Jefferson “Jeff” (Susan) Wickens, Teri Cole, and Jane (Robert) Creel; as well as many nieces and nephews, Jefferson “Tommy” (Jennifer) Wickens, Kristy Wickens, Ashley (Eric) Benjamin, Larry (Megan) Cole, and Robert “Robbie” Creel; and a slew of great nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will take place at a later date to be determined by her daughter.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Arrangements are being handled by The Bradley Funeral Home in Luray, Va.
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