MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR
Delray woman, 83, making a difference on many levels
by Faran Fagen
Special to The Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY NETWORK
Some people work their entire lives – even long after retirement – for things they believe in. Karen Wilkerson, a resident of Abbey Delray Senior Living, is one of those people.
“I’m a firm believer in being a supporter of democracy,” Wilkerson said. “That’s why I participate in following government activities and urge all people to contribute their knowledge and skills to make this world a better place for everyone.”
The 83-year-old has always felt a duty and a calling to help keep others informed about issues that will impact them – which is why voting is so important to her.
As a resident of Abbey Delray Senior Living, Wilkerson continues her crusade to keep her fellow residents informed – and reminds them of the impact their votes. In the November election, Wilkerson encouraged her neighbors to head to the polls.
“I feel very lucky to have had opportunities and support in a variety of roles and experiences,” Wilkerson said. “Loving and caring and some luck teach each of us the priorities and rewards of each day that we are fortunate to live in this world.”
She keeps up with broader community issues, too, such as the lack of workforce housing in her area. And shortly after arriving in Palm Beach County, she was involved in the grant proposal that placed nurses in all county schools. She implemented a student-parent information workshop series on drugs and gangs, and established parent-student positive communications.
For several years, she coordinated the collection and distribution of school uniforms to 6,500 needy families in Palm Beach County. Wilkerson has been interested in women’s issues throughout her career and played a role in the landmark decision to permit girls to participate in Little League while living in Vermont.
“Contributing to those less advantaged and working to adopt policies that improve our communities is one of the most rewarding activities each of us will experience,” Wilkerson said. “Learning about cultures is an important key in understanding views and agreeing on goals. Once each of us realizes that we can make a difference in the world, we are energized to improve things and lives.”
Wilkerson, who had her own lobbying firm at one point when she lived in the Northeast, also served as president of the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County from 2016 to 2020, helping boost its membership from 200 to 800 during that time.
Who is your hero?
One of my heroes is Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Another is Mahatma Gandhi.
What is your favorite movie?
“La La Land” was so dear, but I also treasure the bicycle riding scene from“Buch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”
What are your hobbies?
Reading, needlepoint, knitting, playing piano, singing, visiting museums, traveling, entertaining friends.
What do you do to get away?
Reading, going to the beach and relaxing, listening to music.
What is your favorite book?
One of my favorite series of books is Will Durant’s “Story of Civilizations.”
If you could have dinner with one person, who would it be?
I would love to chat with Walter Cronkite.
What is your most cherished memory?
Dinner tables with all the relatives chatting about world affairs and debating solutions to improve people’s lives.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
The best advice given to me was from my maternal grandmother: “Karen, each of us owes a debt to society. Choose your views and dedication wisely and touch other lives with love and compassion.”
