Tim Hortons in Albion holding fundraiser for employee who was fatally struck by vehicle

‘Everybody loved her,’ store manager says about Theresa Karlak

ALBION – Tim Hortons in Albion will be raising money Tuesday and Wednesday for the family of an employee who was killed on Saturday night.

Theresa Karlak

Theresa Karlak, 18, was walking on Eagle Harbor Road near the hamlet of Eagle Harbor when she was struck by a vehicle at 8:46 p.m.

She was a very dedicated employee at Tim Hortons the past six months, and recently worked the early morning shift starting at 3:30 a.m. She also worked at Tops in Albion.

“Everybody loved her,” said Tim Hortons manager Jenni Simpson. “There isn’t a single person who didn’t like her. I never heard her talk bad about anyone.”

The Tim Hortons will be selling a vanilla dipped donut with green sprinkles on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the entire $1.25 cost will go to Karlak’s family.

Simpson admired Theresa’s work ethic, especially for an 18-year-old. Simpson watched Theresa transform from being shy when she was first hired to being very talkative and funny with her co-workers and customers.

“She was a very kind person who was very driven,” Simpson said. “She loved to learn and wanted to know all of the jobs here.”

Theresa worked the drive-through, the storefront, and with preparing soups and sandwiches. She pushed to be one of two employees who arrive at 3:30 in the morning to get Tim Hortons ready to open at 4:30 with the drive-through and 5 a.m. for customers inside the store.

“I’m still in shock,” Simpson said about Theresa’s death. “She’s a great person.”

The Tops service desk in Albion also will be accepting donations for Theresa’s family.