‘An incredibly bright light’: Regional councillor dies after battle with cancer
Posted Apr 30, 2025 04:09:55 AM.
Last Updated Apr 30, 2025 11:10:45 AM.
Regional Councillor Kari Williams passed away after what friends and family call “a courageous battle with cancer.”
Williams was elected to Regional Council back in 2022 representing Kitchener, a city she was born and raised in.
Regional Chair Karen Redman posted about Williams’ passing on social media Tuesday and said, “Councillor Williams was an incredibly bright light, both in our community and in Council Chambers. She will be exceptionally missed by her Council colleagues, Region of Waterloo staff, and the community.”
Redman noted that council will focus on the next steps in filling the vacant seat in the coming weeks, and in the meantime all flags at regional buildings will be lowered.
Just last week, Williams was given a three-month leave of absence from council to “attend to personal matters.”
A GoFundMe Page was started for Williams and her family.
In the latest update, it read, “We are heartbroken to share that our beloved Kari Williams passed away on April 29th after a courageous battle with cancer. Kari was an incredible mother, daughter, sister, and friend. Her strength, warmth, and compassion touched everyone who knew her.”
As of Wednesday morning, over $9,000 had been raised to contribute to Williams’ children’s Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs).
“Every donation, no matter the size, will help ensure that Kari’s dreams for her children live on.”
Williams grew up in Kitchener and attended Christ Lutheran School, Eastwood Collegiate and Wilfrid Laurier University.
She was first diagnosed with cancer back in 2020.
