Dr. Kara Lynn Mitchelmore

With heavy, but gratitude-filled hearts we say goodbye to Kara Mitchelmore, who died surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, September 17, 2023. Kara was born in Shelburne, Nova Scotia on October 24, 1969, to Joyce and Gerald Mitchelmore, the second of three sisters and a force of nature from day one.

Kara was competitive and driven, believing that education was a gift and opportunity that propelled you forward, and she never stopped learning. That drive earned her a Bachelor of Arts (Soc.) from Mount Saint Vincent University, her master’s in business administration from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, her Doctorate in Business Administration from Athabasca University, and too many professional credentials to count.

Education was foundational to Kara’s career as well. During her time leading the Certified Management Accountants of Alberta, she brought her deep understanding of professional credentials and professional development to contribute to the merger of Canada’s accounting disciplines into one, internationally recognized designation – the Chartered Professional Accountant. She then went on to serve as CEO of the Market Research Intelligence Association and then the Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED). At CPLED, she reimagined and revolutionized the training needed to be called to the Bars of Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan.

As an instructor, a leader, a mentor, and a colleague, Kara was generous with her time and talent in helping others. A volunteer for a variety of educational councils, boards, and local charities, including local food banks, Kara always took time to ensure she was giving back to her community.

Kara took satisfaction in her work, but her joy was found in her family.

Kara, and her loving husband David, centered their life on a brood of kids that grew to include friends, partners, and a cherished granddaughter. Graduations, weddings, births, and family trips blended with quiet moments at home, but lots of loud family dinners often fueled by good wine.

Kara is survived by her lighthouse, her beloved husband David; and their children, Alex (Leanne) Crain, Ryan (Erin) Archer-Biddle, Tristan (Monique Crain), Allison Biddle, and Cassandra Crain; and their beautiful granddaughter Gwenevere. She is also survived by her mother Joyce Mitchelmore; sisters, Kim (Greg) Blanchette, and Kelly (Jon Watson) Mitchelmore; nephew Andrew (Samantha Dufour) Blanchette; and niece Margaret (Jesse Lafeber) Blanchette. She leaves behind many beloved cousins, colleagues, and dear friends.

Kara is predeceased by her father Gerald Mitchelmore, and most beloved aunt and uncle, Bernie and Joanne Scott.

The family is so very grateful to the nurses and doctors who gave Kara such amazing care throughout her courageous battle with brain cancer. Special thanks to the staff and volunteers at Dulcina Hospice for their compassion and kindness.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Airdrie Food Bank at www.airdriefoodbank.com