Author: Gloria Darren

It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we come together to honor the memory of Kara Borges. Kara was one of the most incredible humans anyone could have had the privilege of knowing. She was a light in the lives of all who encountered her—a person whose spirit radiated warmth, kindness, and love. Her passing is a devastating loss, not only to her family and fiancé, but to all of us who had the fortune of crossing paths with her. Kara’s life may have been tragically cut short, but her impact on everyone she knew will never be forgotten.

Kara was a force of positivity and joy, and her energy could truly light up any room she entered. Her smile, infectious and genuine, could brighten the darkest of days. She had a way of making everyone around her feel special, seen, and appreciated. Whether in a group of friends or during a quiet conversation, Kara’s presence was one of comfort and grace. Those who knew her well can attest to her unique ability to make others feel loved and valued. She didn’t just make an impression; she made an impact—one that will echo in the hearts of those who loved her for years to come.

At the core of who Kara was, there was an unwavering kindness that defined her. She had one of the purest hearts imaginable. Her love for others was boundless, and she always went out of her way to make those around her feel cared for. For Kara, life was about making a difference, no matter how big or small the gesture. She truly lived with a selfless devotion to others, and it was in her nature to put people first.

Kara Borges Westport Massachusetts Obituary: Special Education Preschool Teacher At Sgt. William H. Carney Academy Has Died

Whether it was the way she took the time to listen when someone needed to talk, or the way she supported those around her through life’s challenges, Kara’s heart always led the way. She had a gift for making people feel better about themselves, simply by showing up and offering a word of encouragement, a hug, or a warm smile. That was the magic of Kara. Her ability to light up a room wasn’t just due to her outward energy, but because of the pure love and light she carried within.

Kara’s heart wasn’t limited to just her family and friends—it extended to everyone she met. She made an indelible mark on the lives of many, especially those who were fortunate enough to witness her work with children. Her deep passion for their well-being and her commitment to advocating for them was one of the most remarkable aspects of who she was. Kara’s love for the “little humans” she cared for was boundless. She fought tirelessly for them, ensuring that each child had the opportunity to thrive and feel loved. Her compassion was truly awe-inspiring, and it’s clear that she left a legacy of care that will continue to impact the lives of so many children.

For those of us who had the privilege of having Kara in our lives, we can all agree that she made a profound impact on us. Kara touched our hearts in ways that are difficult to put into words. Her presence brought warmth, light, and a sense of peace to all who knew her, especially those of us fortunate enough to experience the love and care she so freely gave. Her impact on my family’s life, and especially on my child Ezra’s life, will never be forgotten.

Kara’s influence was immediate, but it was also lasting. She didn’t just show up in our lives for a short time—she made her mark in ways that will echo through our hearts and memories for a lifetime. Her compassion for Ezra and the bond they shared will forever be cherished. It was clear to see how much she cared for him, and the love she had for every child in her life was one of the things that set her apart.

For every parent or caregiver who met Kara, it was impossible to not be struck by the depth of her love and commitment to children. Kara understood that each child was unique, with their own hopes, dreams, and challenges. She listened to them, supported them, and fought fiercely on their behalf. In this way, she was a fierce advocate for children’s rights, ensuring they received the care, attention, and respect they deserved.

Kara’s passing leaves an immense void in our hearts, but it also leaves behind a legacy of unwavering support for children and families. Her tireless dedication to creating a brighter, more loving world for children will not be forgotten. She was, and always will be, a shining example of what it means to be selfless and dedicated to the well-being of others.

The loss of Kara is felt deeply by her family, fiancé, and all of her friends. Those closest to her knew the incredible depth of her love and how fiercely she cared for those she loved. Kara’s fiancé, who shared a life full of love and laughter with her, has lost someone irreplaceable. The bond they shared was one that many would envy, filled with joy, mutual respect, and the kind of love that brings out the best in both people. Our hearts go out to him, knowing that the grief he carries will be immeasurable, but we also take comfort in the knowledge that the love they shared will never fade.

Kara’s family is also experiencing a deep loss. She was a daughter, a sister, and a friend, and the hole left by her absence is felt deeply by those who knew her best. However, her family can take solace in the incredible person she was—the way she made every family gathering special, and how she always brought warmth and light to those around her. While Kara’s physical presence may no longer be with us, her love and her spirit will remain in the hearts of those who loved her for a lifetime.

For her friends, Kara’s loss is an unbearable ache. She was more than a friend—she was family. Her kindness, her laughter, and her ability to always make others feel important were just a few of the reasons why she will be so dearly missed. Those who had the privilege of calling her a friend will forever remember the impact she made on their lives, and the joy she brought into their world.

It is difficult to find the right words in the face of such an incredible loss. Kara’s death leaves us with an overwhelming sense of grief, but it also leaves us with the memories of the beautiful soul she was. Her bright smile, distinctive laugh, and love for life will never be forgotten.

Above all, what we will remember most about Kara is the love she shared so freely with the world. She gave of herself in ways that made all of us feel better, more connected, and more loved. The fight she fought for the children she cared for, and the way she made every moment spent with her feel special, is something we will carry with us forever.

Kara Borges was a woman who lived with purpose and passion, and her legacy will continue to shine brightly in the lives of everyone who knew her. While we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary person she was and the impact she made on our hearts. Kara’s light may have gone out far too soon, but the love she left behind will continue to burn brightly.

Rest in peace, Kara. You will be deeply missed, but you will never be forgotten.

Phil Johnston Death: It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we reflect on the passing of Phil Johnston, a man whose life was marked by a profound commitment to service, mentorship, and kindness. Phil’s untimely departure has left an indelible void in the hearts of all who knew him, particularly those who had the privilege of working alongside him in the Massachusetts State House and the Democratic Party. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the remarkable legacy he leaves behind—a legacy built on integrity, empathy, and the unwavering belief that government could improve people’s lives.

Phil Johnston was not just a politician or a public servant—he was a beacon of kindness and dedication. As a young state representative in the early post-Watergate years, he embodied the ideals of a time when many believed that, through hard work and integrity, government could make a real difference in people’s lives. He understood that politics was more than just about policy; it was about people. It was about listening, understanding, and always striving to make the world a better place for everyone, particularly those whose voices often went unheard.

For many, Phil was not just a colleague or a political figure—he was a mentor and a friend. Those fortunate enough to have worked with him, particularly in his early years as a state representative, speak of his remarkable ability to connect with others. His approach to leadership was grounded in kindness and humility, and he made a point to treat everyone with respect, no matter their station or background.

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Jenny, one of his former interns, fondly remembers Phil’s warmth and kindness. As a young intern, she worked under his guidance during the early years of his political career at the Massachusetts State House. Despite the challenges of the time—amidst the post-Watergate years when many were feeling disillusioned with government—Phil remained a steadfast believer in the potential of public service. He encouraged those around him to stay hopeful and motivated, showing them how they could make a real difference.

What stood out most to Jenny was the way Phil made her feel valued, even as a young intern. His voice would ring out across the room, calling her name, “Jenny,” a name she had used as a teenager. That simple gesture of recognition, the fact that he never forgot her, spoke volumes about the kind of person Phil was. He treated people not as mere acquaintances but as individuals worthy of attention and respect, making each person feel seen and appreciated.

Phil Johnston’s dedication to his work was unwavering. He was a man who believed deeply in the power of government to improve lives and fought tirelessly to ensure that the government worked for the people. As a state representative, he championed causes that reflected his belief in justice, fairness, and equality. He was never one to shy away from difficult issues; instead, he faced them head-on, determined to find solutions that would benefit all citizens, particularly those who were most vulnerable.

His service was not limited to his time as a state representative. Phil also played an instrumental role in the Massachusetts Democratic Party, serving as the chair of the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee. In this capacity, he was a leader who not only helped to shape the political landscape of the state but also worked to foster unity and collaboration within his party. He was deeply committed to the ideals of the Democratic Party, but more importantly, he was committed to the people he served. Whether working with fellow politicians or engaging with constituents, Phil always kept his focus on improving the lives of the people of Massachusetts.

Those who served with Phil on the Democratic State Committee remember him as a tireless advocate for the values he held dear. His leadership was marked by his ability to bring people together, to build consensus, and to keep the focus on the issues that truly mattered. He was never interested in personal accolades or power; instead, he worked for the greater good, always striving to create a better future for those he represented.

Phil’s career was built on a foundation of character and integrity. In an era when public trust in government was at an all-time low, he remained a shining example of what it meant to serve with honesty, transparency, and dedication. His work was never about political gain or personal advancement—it was about making a real and lasting impact on the lives of the people he served.

One of the most telling aspects of Phil’s character was his ability to stay true to his values. In the often harsh and polarized world of politics, Phil never wavered in his commitment to the causes he believed in. He always acted with integrity, prioritizing the needs of the people above all else. He was a man who saw public service as a privilege, and he used his platform not to further his own ambitions but to further the causes that mattered most.

In his personal life, Phil was a man who valued relationships above all else. He took the time to cultivate meaningful connections with those around him, whether they were colleagues, friends, or family members. Phil was a constant source of guidance, encouragement, and support, always willing to lend a listening ear or offer a word of wisdom. His deep empathy and genuine concern for others made him a friend to many, and his kindness touched the lives of everyone he met.

Phil Johnston’s legacy is one of selflessness, kindness, and service to others. He was a man who dedicated his life to public service, not for personal gain but to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. His work, both in the Massachusetts State House and in the Democratic State Committee, has left a lasting mark on the state and the people he served.

But perhaps Phil’s greatest legacy is not found in the laws he helped pass or the political campaigns he led. It is found in the lives he touched, in the countless people who benefited from his mentorship, his kindness, and his belief in the power of government to make a positive change. His legacy is reflected in the many people who continue to carry his values forward, who strive to make their communities better because of the example he set.

As Jenny reflects on her time working with Phil, she remembers him as a true mentor—someone who not only taught her the ropes of politics but also instilled in her a belief in the power of good people to bring about positive change. Phil’s impact on her life, and on the lives of so many others, cannot be overstated. He was a guiding light in a world that can sometimes feel dark and uncertain, and his passing leaves a void that will be felt deeply by all who knew him.

Phil Johnston’s life was one that was rich in meaning and purpose. He lived a life of service, of kindness, and of unwavering dedication to the people of Massachusetts. His passing leaves us with a sense of profound loss, but it also leaves us with a legacy to carry forward. Phil’s belief in the power of government to improve lives, his commitment to his community, and his dedication to others will continue to inspire those who knew him.

We extend our deepest condolences to Phil’s family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. His loss is immeasurable, but his legacy is one that will live on in the hearts of those who remember him, honor him, and continue the work he began. Phil, you will never be forgotten. Your kindness, your mentorship, and your commitment to making the world a better place will forever inspire us all.

Rest in peace, Phil Johnston.