"Each year, our community gathers on July 4th to celebrate the birth of our great nation. Today, we want to take a moment to recognize and honor someone whose spirit and example serve as an inspiration, and for whom July 4th held additional significance - Karen Buchwald Wright. An American patriot in every sense, Karen's courage, steadfast values, and deep love for this country remind us that our freedom should be cherished, and that one compassionate individual can make an extraordinary difference. Thank you, Karen, for your unwavering commitment to Mount Vernon. Your leadership and generosity have helped shape our town into a place we can all be proud to call home. We are most deeply grateful. We extend our condolences to all who knew and loved Karen Buchwald Wright. May she rest in peace." - Ariel Foundation Park on Facebook
"R.I.P. to Ohio's own Karen Buchwald Wright: legendary mother, patriot, CEO of Ariel Corporation, philanthropist, champion of Mount Vernon, and dear friend. Our deepest condolences to her family and profound gratitude for her enduring impact, generosity, example, and legacy." - The Buckeye Institute on Facebook
"It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Karen Buchwald Wright, a remarkable force for good in our community. Her philanthropic spirit and dedication to downtown Mount Vernon have left an indelible mark on many aspects our work and downtown vibrancy. Karen’s unwavering support for local initiatives enriched our city and inspired countless individuals to give back. We are profoundly grateful for her contributions and the legacy she leaves behind. Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time." - Experience Mount Vernon on Facebook
“I was very saddened to learn about the passing of Karen Buchwald Wright, long-time business leader and former CEO of Ariel Corporation. Her impact on Knox County is enduring – marked by her commitment to innovation, strong leadership, and generous community support. She will be deeply missed, however her legacy will continue to live on through the lives she touched here in Mount Vernon, around the county and throughout the state. I extend my deepest condolences to her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her and work alongside her.” -State Representative Mark Hiner (R-Howard)
"The Knox County Board of Commissioners joins our community in mourning the passing of Karen Buchwald Wright. A simple glance down Main Street in Mount Vernon reveals her remarkable legacy and unwavering dedication to the arts, education, and the betterment of this beautiful place we call home. Our county would not be the same without her genuine love for the community, expressed through her philanthropic work. We extend our deepest condolences to her loved ones. May we all be inspired by her lasting commitment to work together to enhance the quality of life for the people of Knox County." - Knox County Board of Commissioners Knox County Ohio on Facebook
"We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Karen Buchwald Wright. May you rest in peace. The impact you have left on our community will be felt for generations to come." - Knox County Ohio Board of Elections on Facebook
"Today, the Muskingum Valley Council, Scouting America, joins all of Knox County and the Mount Vernon community in mourning the loss, and celebrating the remarkable life, of Karen Buchwald Wright. Karen was more than a philanthropist. She was a force for good, a leader whose generosity, vision, and compassion reshaped communities and inspired generations. Her commitment to youth development, education, and faith-based service reflected the very essence of Scouting: helping other people at all times. Her support for Scouting across Mount Vernon and Knox County has touched countless lives. Through her steadfast belief in developing young leaders of character, Karen helped ensure that every Scout has the opportunity to learn, grow, and serve others, preparing them for life and for leadership. Karen lived by a creed familiar to every Scout: Service before self. She gave not for recognition, but for the joy of seeing others thrive. She built not for today, but for generations yet to come. And she believed, deeply, in the power of people working together to make their community better. As Scouts, leaders, and friends, we honor her legacy by carrying that torch forward. May her life continue to inspire us all, to serve with heart, to lead with humility, and to make a difference with purpose. Thank you, Karen, for your example of service, generosity, and love for this community. Your light will forever guide our path." - Muskingum Valley Council on Facebook
"MTVarts and Mount Vernon have lost a treasured person. Much will be said about Karen Buchwald Wright and her contribution to our town. We knew her as a fierce advocate for Mount Vernon, a generous supporter of live, local theatre, and a delighted grandmother of one of our performers. Her contributions didn’t stop at philanthropy; she attended our events, joked with our volunteers, and truly embodied the passion of a patron of the arts. Our love goes out to her family and our whole community in this time as we grieve her loss. 'Karen was one of a kind, a true patron who understood the impact of theatre and the arts on community-building,' said Artistic Director Bruce Jacklin. 'She will be sorely missed.'" - MTVarts on Facebook
"Ohio has lost a great leader and human being in Karen Buchwald Wright. She built Ariel Corp into a world class manufacturing technology company in the heart of Ohio, benefiting hundreds of families in Mount Vernon and across our state through the economic opportunities she offered, in addition to her philanthropic and charitable contributions to her community and our entire country. She was also a true American patriot, an ardent advocate for the benefits of democracy and free markets and a great ambassador for Ohio. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and will be deeply missed. We send our thoughts and prayers to her family." - The Ohio Manufacturers' Association @OHIOMFG on X
"Saddened to hear about the passing of Karen Buchwald Wright. Her leadership, generosity, and community involvement will leave a lasting legacy." - Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose @FrankLaRose on X
"Mourning the loss of Karen Wright, a defender of liberty and a devoted mother. Her passion for freedom and love for family will continue to inspire us all." - Congressman Max Miller @MaxMillerOH on X
"Heartbroken to learn of the passing of my dear friend, Karen Wright. A fierce defender of liberty, a person of conviction, and above all, a devoted mother. She will be deeply missed by Mount Vernon and by the many lives touched and transformed through her remarkable kindness and generosity." - Congressman Troy Balderson @Troy_Balderson on X
"While I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Karen Wright, her legendary leadership is known to every Ohioan. She was an extraordinary person of consequence in Ohio and America. The @ohiogop mourns her passing." - Ohio GOP Chairman Alex Triantafilou @Chairman Alex on X
"Karen Wright, Fierce Friend of Liberty and, Above All Else, Mother. R.I.P. I am so sad to lose a friend who was such a champion. I will always remember her kindness and faith." - Ohio State Senator Jane Timken @JaneTimkenOH on X
