Glenorie crash: Arndell teacher, Karen Mitchell’s family share heartbreak
The shock death of Arndell Anglican teacher Karen Mitchell in a devastating head-on crash last week sent shockwaves through her heartbroken family. The popular science teacher’s mother describing her as a “beautiful daughter”.
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An inspirational explorer, fiercely passionate friend and a lover of life.
These are the traits the heartbroken family of Arndell Anglican science teacher, Karen Mitchell, hope that she is remembered by, following her death.
The 34-year-old Westleigh woman — who dedicated her life to supporting others through her love for education — was tragically killed in a head-on car crash on Cattai Ridge Rd, Glenorie on Monday, September 16.
Ms Mitchell’s parents, Rodger and Anne Mitchell, as well as her brother Craig, spoke exclusively to the Hornsby Advocate about the loss of their much-loved daughter, the rallying of the wider community in support and their plans for a lasting tribute to her, so “no-one forgets her”.
“She was a beautiful daughter, incredibly precious to us,” Mrs Mitchell said.
“She would hold onto everything to remind her of moments in her life and she wasn’t afraid to travel the world.
“Karen showed a keen interest in science early on, she studied environmental biology at school and that was where her love for it all started.”
Completing several degrees at the University of Technology Sydney, including science, film and media, Ms Mitchell travelled the globe with the Girl Guides before returning to Australia to take up teaching.
“At the start of her career, Karen worked at her high school at Pennant Hills, Loreto Kirribilli, Tara and Pymble Ladies College before getting a full-time position at Arndell Anglican College in Oakville,” Mrs Mitchell said.
“She loved that school, it made her so incredibly happy.
“She enjoyed moving around and meeting new people, but Arndell welcomed her and she knew she was able to make a difference to the lives of her students.”
Ms Mitchell was a vital part of many community groups across the Hornsby Shire, being a dedicated leader at Waitara Girl Guides and member of St Stephens Anglican community at Normanhurst.
“But it was her love for her family and friends that have kept us so strong,” her mother said. “Karen got to see some of her close friends in the days before she died — she had a girl’s night with her friends on Friday and Italian on Saturday night where she and her friends chatted for hours — that was meant to be.”
Just a month before her death, Ms Mitchell moved out of home, finding “her perfect place” in Waitara after years searching for a home.
“Everything had to be perfect, she knew what she wanted and it had to fit that dream,” Ms Mitchell’s father said. “It was hectic when she moved out, but it was also such a milestone.”
Mr and Mrs Mitchell said they hoped to create a memorial garden at Arndell Anglican in memory of their daughter.
“We hope no-one forgets her, that is our dream,” Mrs Mitchell said.
“Whether it was a student, teacher, friend or family, everybody had a role to play in making Karen who she was.
“And that was an inspirational young woman with so much to give to the world.”
The tribute from the Mitchell family come after witnesses to the horrifying crash revealed their efforts to save the her: describing the scene as “absolutely devastating”.
While students at Arndell Anglican express an outpouring of grief over the loss of their beloved science teacher.
Karen Mitchell will be farewelled in a private service this week, with plans for a memorial alongside Arndell Anglican College next month.
School principal Gareth Leechman said the college was making arrangements with the family for a memorial when school resumes.
“(The memorial is) to enable all staff, students and families to reflect, remember and pay tribute to our teacher, friend and colleague,” he said.
“It is anticipated that the Mitchell family will be in attendance at this service.
“On behalf of the College community we will be sending a select number of staff to attend Miss Mitchell’s funeral to pay our respects to Miss Mitchell and her family.”