Kathleen "Kiki" Carey

1947 - 2016

Kathleen "Kiki" Jennings Carey, 69, died peacefully after a short battle with cancer on April 19, in Prescott, Arizona. She was surrounded by family, her beloved dogs and roses freshly cut from her garden on the morning that she passed away.
She had been a resident of Prescott since fall 2008.
Kiki was born Jan. 21, 1947, in her mother's hometown of New York City. Kiki, her mother, Mary, and brother, Michael, waited while her father, Fabian, carved out a trapline in the wilderness west of the Alaska Range.
Within months, the family was in their cabin on Lake Minchumina. In these formative years, Kiki developed a deep appreciation for wildlife and for dogs, starting with the dogs in her father's team. By 1950, the family had moved to Fairbanks so the children could attend school.
Over time, Kiki's parents became well-respected in trapping circles and public health. Kiki flourished in an atmosphere that was both cultured and unique. Reading, music, history, service, politics and eduction were appreciated in the Carey household and shared with and by both children.
Graduating from Lathrop High School in 1965, Kiki married David Strickland, of Fairbanks. The couple had one child, Cynthia Denise, born Oct. 21, 1965. According to her mother, Mary, Kiki was a loving, happy young mother though the marriage was short-lived.
Kiki went on to obtain a degree in social work, attending both University of Alaska Fairbanks and University of Oregon. This began her 33-year career as a social worker in Alaska. She furthered her education earning her Master of Social Work from the University of Washington in 1979, Master of Eningeering from UAF in 1986, a post-graduate certification from the American Association of Marital and Family Therapists and her Licensed Clinical Social Worker degree.
She excelled at working with indigenous populations of Alaska and was awarded Employee of the Year at Alaska Native Medical Hospital. She was honored to be given the ceremonial name Deer Woman.
In August 1984, Kiki married lifelong Alaskan and surveyor Dennis Jennings. Not only did this union make Dennis very happy but also fulfilled his mother's wish that he marry someone smarter than he was. This marriage would be loving and last through the rest of her life.
With the birth of her grandchildren, Lisa and Kevin in 1991 and 1994, she found herelf in love again.
Kiki enjoyed the gift of giving and loved the holiday season. She was interested in current events; held strong convictions and was involved in Alaska's Democratic political landscape. Known for cooking, decorating, hostess talents, style and sense of humor, she had an enviable ability for finding the highest quality items in any thrift shop.
She is survived by her husband, Dennis Jennings; brother, Michael and wife, Maggie Carey; daughter, Cynthia Strickland and spouse, Kris Morris; grandchildren Lisa and Kevin Lankford who loved her dearly; and dogs Mini, Pupper and Lady. Memorial Services are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Aug. 16 at St. Mary's Episcopal Church followed by a celebration of life TBA. Contact info is available at cincey101@gmail.com.
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