Following is the obituary for KARA LEE ENSLIN, submitted by her family.

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Kara Lee Enslin, 43, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, after an inspiring and courageous battle with brain cancer. She returned to the Lord with her family and friends by her side. 

Kara is survived by her husband Douglas Enslin, children Elle and Axel, parents Richard and Regina Hettich of Southampton, Pa., sister Kelli (Randy) Solly of Warminster, Pa., and nephews Billy and Brian Solly of Warminster, Pa.  

Kara was born Aug. 25, 1981, in Abbington, Pa. She graduated from William Tennent High School in Warminster, Pa., where she was an honors student, musician and varsity athlete. She completed her college education at Philadelphia University with a Bachelors of Science in fashion merchandising while competing on the tennis team.  

As a very young girl on a trip to New York City, Kara remarked to her parents she wanted to work in one of the tall buildings on 5th Avenue. This dream came true, and her determined pursuit of her goals propelled her into a 20-year career in the fashion industry with a focus on footwear. Shoes were one of several great loves in her life. 

She started her career as an assistant buyer at Macy’s and moved on to successfully manage businesses for brands Bruno Magli, Rachel Zoe, Calvin Klein and Aerin Lauder. Kara’s intelligence, great taste and strong instincts made her a star and won over the respect of her customers and co-workers. 

The last 10 years of her career were with Marc Fisher Footwear and coincided with her move to Westport. It was an incredible match for Kara. She deeply respected and loved her colleagues, the company pushed and challenged her in ways which brought out the very best in her. The company gave back too, supporting her as she brought Elle and Axel into the world. Giving her trust and flexibility to be with them at each of their life’s milestones and special moments. When she was told her cancer had spread she cried, saying she would never go back to work. Work and Marc Fisher were deeply important parts of her identity. 

Kara’s career did not eclipse her numerous other passions in life. Kara was an enthusiastic tennis player, and loved attending the U.S. Open in Flushing, N.Y. Sometimes getting lucky enough to be a part of a magical night when the matches ran well into the morning. 

Music enveloped her life. Frequently, she could be found with her earphones in listening on whatever device of the times, simultaneously planning the next concert to attend. The last concert she attended, at Forest Hills, was a joyous night filled with singing, dancing and friends. She loved this venue, marrying tennis and music together. 

Additionally, Kara loved traveling, gardening, walks through downtown Westport neighborhoods, nights with family and friends at Compo Beach, coffee at Kneads, the fall season, Halloween, planning her children’s birthday parties, decorating and arranging flowers in and around the home, volunteering her time at Saugatuck Elementary School, Goddard School of Westport and for Habitat for Humanity.

Anyone fortunate enough to know Kara instantaneously loved her. Her outward beauty was only matched by her inner beauty and character. She was known for her gorgeous red hair, beautiful eyes, warm friendly smile and loving selfless instincts to offer anything of herself to friends, family and strangers. She will be dearly missed! 

The family would like to express their gratitude to Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County and At Home Compassionate Care for the exceptional care they provided. Special thanks to Ketevani Chapichadze, who cared for both Kara and family around the clock during her final week. 

A celebration of Kara’s life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kara’s honor to the Two Ten Foundation or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

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Westport Journal publishes obituaries of people who lived in Westport or have life connections to the community. To submit an obituary, send the notice and a high-resolution photo to press@westportjournal.com. There is no charge.