The senseless murder of a former County native in Peterborough last week has broken the hearts of her family, friends, and former teachers.

Cynara Lewis, 27, was a student at both PECI and Prince Edward Learning Centre. During her tenure as a Panther, Ms. Lewis won a gold medal in photography in provincial competition in 2014. Later, Ms. Lewis was an outspoken advocate for community safety and presented on behalf of PELC to County Council in 2018, calling for a safe sidewalk to connect Macaulay Village to Picton on County Rd. 22 and Church Street.

On Wednesday, Sept. 6, Ms. Lewis was killed in a double stabbing outside a Queen’s Court apartment building. A 30-year-old man was left in critical condition.

Ms. Lewis’s eldest sister, Sarah Dillon, said her family was still reeling over the senseless loss of such a gentle and caring soul.

“We are all so devastated,” Ms. Dillon said. “She was truly the most unique and bright and loving of us all. And yes, it’s absolutely senseless. We still haven’t come to terms with it, nor I am certain we ever will.”

Ms. Dillon explained the beauty of her late sister was that she was authentic and could connect with anyone from any walk of life. “It didn’t matter if you were homeless or the CEO of a company — Cynara loved and treated everyone with care and respect.”

Retired PECI teacher Hilary-Anne Clarke recalled Cynara’s photographic proficiency and remembered how much pride Ms. Lewis felt was when it was announced she was a provincial champion.

“I remember the head of the Loyalist College Photojournalism program trying to recruit her for post-secondary studies,” Ms. Clarke said. “She was well suited to photography because she was a deep thinker and brought intellect into her pictures. She had a talent for composing a good image and she was also a good writer.”

The teacher remembered Ms. Lewis as “quiet and selfless” person who was modest about her success and had a lot of empathy for those around her.

PELC’s Essential Skills Program Coordinator Jennifer Hunter noted Ms. Lewis was involved with the organization in a variety of ways, taking photographs at Learning Centre events, designing holiday cards and even received an award for her involvement in an employment program.

“Cynara was respected by everyone at the learning centre – staff, students, and volunteers. We will always remember her for her compassion for all living things. She will be deeply missed,” Ms. Hunter told the Gazette.

Jesse Rowe, 29, of Peterborough, is charged with second-degree murder, attempted murder, assault with a weapon, two counts of uttering threats and failure to comply with a probation order.

A Go Fund Me campaign to assist with Cynara Lewis’s celebration of life has been established.