The woman stabbed to death breaking up a fight was a "community champion" who helped thousands of people in the Knowsley area.
Karen Dempsey was found with a stab wound in a pub car park in Kirkby on Monday, August 22. Emergency services were called to Cherryfield Drive in the town centre at around 8.10pm following reports of a fight.
Karen, 55, was found with a wound to her chest. She was rushed to hospital where she died a short time later. Merseyside Police has since charged Karen's son Jamie Dempsey, 32, of Bechin Road, Kirkby with her murder.
READ MORE: 'Kirkby legend' stabbed to death while 'trying to do the right thing'
Karen's family said she was a "beautiful, vivacious and compassionate woman who always had a smile on her face and lit up a room". They added: "Her zest for life was infectious and it left others breathless. She loved being surrounded by her family and friends.
"Karen was dedicated to her work and in helping others she made a real difference to people's lives. She was a fantastic advocate for social justice for more than 30 years and her loss will be felt right across Kirkby."
Karen's places of work have now come forward to pay tribute to the 55-year-old. The Women's Organisation said Karen worked as part of the Kirkby Unemployed Centre, where she helped the community. They said: "Our heartfelt condolences go to the family and friends of Karen Dempsey.
"We worked with Karen while she was part of Kirkby Unemployed Centre where she passionately served her community. Another senseless murder on our city streets. Another innocent life taken. This must stop."
A man, who is understood to have worked with Karen, added: "Karen Dempsey helped thousands of people in Kirkby and will be remembered for this. We will miss your sense of justice and passion for helping people. Rest in Peace Karen. Condolences to all of your family. Words cannot fully express the sadness felt in the community today."
A community centre in south west Lancashire also paid tribute to the 55-year-old, calling her a "women’s champion, life-long activist and advocate for the rights of local people". The South West Lancashire Independent Community Centre, in Skelmersdale, said Karen joined their benefit, debt and IT advice charity in 2019.
They said she served the community with "unstinting energy and commitment" as a welfare rights advisor. Karen was said to bring a wide range of knowledge, skills, hard work, dedication and smiles as well as "incredible empathy" for all the people who used the service.
Paul McConnell, chair of SWLICAN said: “Karen wasn’t only a community champion but a women’s champion, life-long activist and advocate for the rights of local people. She helped start up the Kirkby Unemployed Centre as a volunteer and then lead advice worker.
"Together with her sister Lynne, she helped thousands of people in the Knowsley area right up to its closing in 2014. Most would have walked away after its closure, but not Karen and Lynne. They set up their own welfare rights service (T.A.S.C.) in Northwood, Kirkby at the very heart of their community, working many years for little or no reward as it was always about getting social justice for the people."
Karen and Lynne, nicknamed the 'Dynamic Duo,' were employed part time in 2019 at SWLICAN. A spokesperson for the service added: "Karen will be very much missed by everyone who’s lives she touched and missed beyond words by everyone at SWLICAN.
"Our immediate thoughts are with her family and friends, especially her sister Lynne who also worked alongside Karen, Jimmy, Ian, Jan, John and Tess to provide SWLICAN’s advice service. Karen’s death has been a shock to us all and it will be impossible to replace the unique contribution she brought to the charity’s work.
"The board would ask for patience and understanding at this time as the entire SWLICAN team come to terms with the tragic and senseless loss of our colleague. RIP Karen, you were taken from us much too soon your legacy will live on. All our love."
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