Tributes are pouring in for an Eganville day care worker, described as an advocate for mental health issues and someone who touched the lives of staff, families and children she worked with.
Ketcha Star Daycare has released a statement on the death of Lisa Sharpe, which shocked the Bonnechere Valley region last week.
The statement, released on Facebook says “we have lost not only a co-worker, but also a friend and a beautiful soul.”
It also described Sharpe as an early childhood educator with more than 25 years of experience, and an advocate for mental health who often “carried the weight of the world on her shoulders,” but was always strong in front of children.
The centre announced it will not be open this week.
Flowers and gifts were placed outside Sharpe’s Bonnechere Valley home, upon news of her death last Wednesday. Eighteen-year-old Trey Gagnon was arrested last Thursday and charged with second-degree murder in her death.
Meanwhile, the hockey rink in Eganville has been full of emotion of late, as it’s become a place to show support for this — and another tragedy impacting the community.
Eganville Eagles hockey players wore heart-shaped stickers with initials L.S. on their helmets this weekend, to pay tribute to Sharpe.
A Facebook post by the Eganville Minor Hockey Association says Sharpe was a “staple in the community” and someone who was part of many hockey players’ lives.
Funds being raised for Recoskie family
Before this incident, the organization was also raising funds for Gavin Recoskie and his father, Mike.
They were seriously injured in a collision on Hwy 60 in Algonquin Provincial Park on Jan. 20.
Gavin, also a highly regarded athlete at Opeongo High School, plays for the Valley Storm Under 18 hockey team and was on his way to a tournament in Perry Sound when the collision happened. The driver in the opposite vehicle died and both Gavin and Mike are now recovering from serious injuries.
A game between the Valley Timberwolves and Carleton Place Canadians, played in Eganville last Thursday, was turned into a fundraiser for the family.
Also, more than $15,000 has already been raised for the Gavin and Mike through an online campaign