In her second term on the Dayton Public Schools board, Wick ran for Dayton City Commission in November, but failed to win one of the two open seats — Darius Beckham and Darryl Fairchild were elected.
During her run for commissioner, Wick often campaigned alongside Beckham, who described her as someone who touched many lives.
“She loved our city. She believed in our city. And she never stopped wanting the best for us all,” Beckham wrote. “To my friend, thank you for being an incredible human being. You did so much for so many and never expected anything from anyone in return. Your legacy lives on through what you built and every person you touched so effortlessly.”
‘She led with heart’
Dayton Public Schools Superintendent David Lawrence said Wick was generous with both her kindness and her time, even making a habit of visiting students at EJ Brown Middle School each week in her capacity as a board member.
“She did not have to do that … Her smile, her sense of being positive at all times in a world where there’s a lot of negativity, she just really stood out,” Lawrence said during a press conference Monday.
Wick was known as someone who would go above and beyond for those around her, Lawrence highlighted.
“(She) would actually come to the transportation center with me at 5 o’clock in the morning and bring coffee and cookies for the drivers,” he said. “She would sit and ride bus routes with me; she was amazing.”
Wick’s fellow school board member, DPS Board President Chrisondra Goodwine, said Wick “represented the very best of public service.”
“She was, without question, the kindest, most optimistic, and friendliest member of our board. She led with warmth, humility, and unwavering grace,” Goodwine wrote in a statement on Sunday.
Goodwine described Wick as giving “so freely of herself” to others, whether through her work on the school board, as a businesswoman, or as a mother to two children.
“Karen led with heart … Whether she was encouraging students, supporting staff, or simply showing up in quiet moments that never made headlines, her impact was constant and deeply human,” Goodwine continued. “She believed in doing the work with people — not just directing it from afar — and that is a legacy that will forever live within our schools and our community.”
Lawrence said Wick will be honored during the last school board meeting of the year, on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
Wick’s current term was set to end on Dec. 31.
Dayton’s dining community reacts
Coco’s Bistro has been a member of the Miami Valley Restaurant Association (MVRA) since 2005. Wick also served as an MVRA board member for six years.
Amy Zahora, director and CEO of the Miami Valley Restaurant Association, fondly recalled Wick’s hospitable essence wrapped within a spirit of graciousness and humility.
“She carried herself with such class and elegance yet remained unbelievably humble,” Zahora said. “Everyone who knew Karen, loved Karen. She gave so much to our community and to the restaurant family she cherished. She created such a beautiful restaurant with incredible food, and it was always a joy to take people there for the first time. And if Karen was there, she would always come over to say hello — one of the many things that made her so special.”
The Flavor House, 130 W. Second Street, honored Wick as a restaurateur ready and willing to help other businesses grow.
“To the city of Dayton, Karen was the owner of Coco’s Bistro and a dedicated public servant. But to us, she was so much more,” the organization said in a Facebook post. “She was the queen of all restaurateurs in this city; a guiding light who paved the way for independent restaurant owners like us. Karen didn’t just run a business; she built a community. She gave so freely of her time, her advice and her friendship. When we needed wisdom, she was there. When we needed a friend who understood the grind of this industry, she was there. Her generosity of spirit set a standard that we will strive to honor every single day. Dayton has lost a giant, but her legacy will live on in every plate served with love and every guest welcomed with a smile.”
Table 33 owner Charlie Carroll said Wick’s presence will be missed at the restaurant where she often visited on Sundays.
“Karen called Table 33 home on Sunday mornings,” Carroll said. “It is a felt loss that Karen is leaving and one of the hopes that can come out of a situation like this is that she will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of those whose lives were impacted by her. It’s a very sobering feeling.”