Collins (Smith) – Kimberley Marie
June 23, 1979 – August 2, 2012
Kim lived every moment of every day and was the source of much love and joy for her family and many loyal friends. She left us on Thursday, August 2nd, 2012 at home, surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Kim was born in Amherst, the loving and beautiful daughter of Roy (Sharman) Smith and Carole Shepherd. She was an amazing sister to Andrew and Colin, devoted aunt to Jessica and Addison, and godmother to Abbigayle and Ben. Kim had many cousins and was a niece to Aunts Lillie and Paula, and Uncles, Roger, Charles and Greg. She was predeceased by her grandparents, Vic and Celia Smith, Bill and Grace Shepherd and Uncle Jack.
Kim had so much love to give but her greatest love was her miracle daughter, Lyla Tru. Lyla was her reason for living life and she cherished every minute she spent with her. Lyla was truly the great love of her life.
Kim spent her child and young adulthood in Amherst where she graduated from Amherst High School. She received her Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Mount Allison University. Her father, Roy, was so proud to welcome her fulltime to the family business, Roymac Homes Limited, which he started in 1968.
From a young girl until graduation, Kim had worked all her summers with her father and he was very confident she had all the qualities necessary to help continue a successful family business.
Kim enjoyed anything that went fast and could keep up with anyone on a motorcycle, snowmobile or boat. She loved spending time with Lyla, her family and friends at her family cottage and camp. Shopping and spending time with her girlfriends gave her great joy, too.
Other activities she enjoyed throughout her life were dance, golf, basketball and skating. She enjoyed traveling especially her yearly trips to Florida.
Kim faced her cancer the same way she lived her life, with courage, a positive attitude and fierce determination. Through her seven year journey, Kim pushed herself to keep living to the fullest and inspired us daily by her sense of humour. The lessons she taught us were immeasurable.
We are heartbroken by the passing of our cherished and adored daughter which leaves a deep void we know will never be filled. Kim loved unconditionally and was wise beyond her years.
Her life would seem too short for many, but those who were touched by Kim understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. Each day she opened her heart to recognize the rainbows in her life. Kim gave us all such courage and hope and reminded us how precious life is.
She truly believed “Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take…but by the moments that take your breath away.”
“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count; it’s the life in your years.” Kim’s spirit will live on in our hearts.
Roy, Sharman, Carole and her family are very thankful to all those who have done so much over the last several years. The outpouring of generosity from family, friends and neighbors has been overwhelming and very comforting. Your kindness helped Kim during her illness and supported us through our difficult time. You all hold a very special place in our hearts. A special thank you to Marilyn and family for their unconditional love and support.
Kim was the very heart of her wide circle of friends, most especially her “sisterhood” a very spirited group of true friends. The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to all her friends, especially her Sisters By Heart: Gillian, Dionne, Tamara, Tammy, Kim, and Amy.
The family would also like to thank Dr. Hasegawa, Wanda, Jo-Anne, Dr. Laryea, Maxine and Laura all of QEII Health Centre in Halifax; Dr. Halina and Chris Bienkowski, Carol Fraser, Dr. Toms, Dr. David Douglas, Dr. Finn, Alan Linkletter, Terri –Lynn, Tina and the VON all of Amherst. A special thank you to Sherry Smith of Palliative Care. She was truly an angel sent from heaven. We’d also like to recognize Dr. Connors (BC), Dr. Cannelos (Boston) and all other staff from Halifax and Amherst hospitals who cared for Kim. Kim made several trips to the emergency department in Amherst and received excellent care from the doctors, nurses and staff. Thank you to all who went above and beyond.
A time of visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, August 4, 2012 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. from Campbell’s Funeral Home, 98 Church St., Amherst (667-9906). Kim’s life will be celebrated Sunday, August 5, 2012 at 2 p.m. from First Baptist Church, Amherst with Rev. Donald Miller officiating.
Donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit of Cumberland Regional Health Care Center or charity of your choice.
On line condolences may be forwarded to her family via: www.campbellsamherst.ca
“The memory of love is a memory that lives forever.”