Leonora King

Dimitris Ilias
LJI Journalist

The Parc-Extension neighborhood of Montreal gathered on February 22nd to remember Leonora Indira King, a dedicated community worker whose efforts to support immigrant women left an indelible mark. King passed away on December 21, 2024, after a brief period of illness that had seen her in and out of hospital. Her death was unexpected and has left a profound void in the community she served so passionately.
A Vision for Empowerment
In 2021, King established the Parc-Ex Curry Collective, a mutual-aid initiative and catering service aimed at empowering women with uncertain immigration statuses. The organization provided these women with opportunities to gain financial independence by preparing and delivering affordable meals. The collective, which operated in one of Montreal’s most diverse neighborhoods, quickly became a lifeline for many women struggling to find stable employment due to their immigration status.
Under King’s leadership, the Curry Collective maintained a rotating staff of about a dozen women. Whenever one of them was able to stabilize her situation, King would bring in someone new, ensuring that the initiative continued to uplift those most in need. Her efforts were recognized by many local organizations, including Brique par Brique, a non-profit also operating in Parc-Extension.
A Legacy of Service
King’s commitment to community service was shaped by her early experiences in Guyana, where she witnessed her mother, Nadira, distribute food and essentials to those in need. This influence was evident in every aspect of King’s work. Beyond her culinary initiatives, she also taught self-defense classes, organized workshops for immigrant women, and collaborated with other local non-profits to expand support networks.
Her approach to activism was rooted in a deep belief in the power of community. While others focused on systemic solutions, King emphasized the importance of daily support—food, dance, music, and community gatherings—as essential elements of resilience and dignity.
A Community in Mourning
Following her death, the impact of King’s work became even more apparent. A memorial service held in Ottawa drew a large crowd, including many women from the Curry Collective. Organizers had to rent additional transportation to accommodate all those wishing to pay their respects. The turnout was a testament to the number of lives King had touched.
In Montreal, another memorial service was arranged to give the local community a chance to grieve and celebrate her life. Many attendees spoke of King’s unwavering positivity and the sense of hope she provided during difficult times. Her mother, Nadira, expressed a desire to continue her daughter’s work with the Curry Collective, though plans for the organization remain uncertain.
Symbols of Resilience
Among the many personal items left behind, one stands out: a dress King had sewn herself, made entirely from canvas rice and flour bags. Intended for an awards ceremony where she was to be honored for her community impact, the dress now hangs in her mother’s home, a poignant symbol of King’s creativity and resourcefulness.
King’s legacy also lives on in the memories of those she helped. Her ability to transform everyday actions—sharing a meal, hosting a dance, or offering a kind word—into acts of resistance and solidarity remains a powerful example of grassroots activism.