Contributions to the tribute of Kimberly L. Yates

T

Tom Doud posted a condolence

Friday, January 28, 2022

Deeply saddened and shocked are two descriptions that don’t even begin to scratch the surface of emotions I felt upon learning of the death of Kim. Although I had not crossed paths with Kim since we graduated from high school together, she was such a significant person in my youth, that I have frequently thought of her over the years and always remember her with warm fondness. I distinctly remember the very first day she arrived at our Faulk Road Elementary School, as a “new transfer student”. I believe it was in the 1970/71 school year. Her beauty was stunning, and she had a certain elegance with the way she carried herself. Quiet, humble, and modest, but with strong character stature…..and very smart. I immediately joined a long list of boys who wanted to become her boyfriend, but I lost that contest and settled to becoming her “agent/broker” serving to middle conversations between Kim and fellows she had an eye on. In those pre-social media days, communications were old-school, tiny little notes on folded up small pieces of paper. Despite the diminutive size of the paper, Kim could fit a thesis onto it with very tiny but beautifully legible printing. We shared scores of such notes, as we always were helping each other to procure friendships. In my attempts to win her over upon her arrival at our school, I invited her to join our class’ usual recess playground game of “keep away”…..a game shared by two teams, each containing many people, and the simple object was to dominate the possession time of the red rubber playground utility ball as we all ran around the fields passing the ball among our teammates. Kim was always a trooper, and jumped right into the game. Part of the game was tackling whoever had the ball. Kim was on the opposing team from me, and for some stupid reason, probably to just give her a “hug”, when she caught a pass from a teammate I hit her like a blitzing Philadelphia Eagle linebacker. She was wearing a very nice beige woolen dress coat, and the coat got very grass stained and dirty as we hit the ground. She took it like a champ and came up smiling, although I bet her parents were none too pleased when she got home that afternoon. We remained friends through junior high school and high school, a highlight of which was when my best friend, Jack Lantz, and I got to double date to the junior prom with Jamie Hatfield and Kim. Jack with Kim, and me with Jamie. Jack and I decided to try to cook a steak dinner for them before the dance, as opposed to going to a restaurant. With the way that dinner turned out, I think they both wished we had rather gone to a McDonald’s drive-thru! I was fortunate to be our Class President in 10th and 12th grades and when I remember all of the work so many great classmates did in support of fundraising projects, Kim stands out as the one who ALWAYS helped out, not as an officer with recognition, but as a dedicated and caring and supportive classmate. She maintained a quiet demeanor while giving exhaustive effort to our causes. I could go on and on with fond anecdotes of times shared with Kim, but I will close with recalling a funny event. Kim lived in a neighborhood comprised of five streets, next to my neighborhood. In her first two years of living there, my brothers and I had a newspaper delivery route containing two and a half streets of the neighborhood, but not her street. SOMEHOW, my brothers and I orchestrated a valiant and daring poaching maneuver to steal her house from the route of the other paperboy, and we succeeded! My two brothers and I would then fight over who got the privilege/opportunity to deliver the paper to the Yates’ house, always hoping it would elicit a chance to meet with Kim and her sisters and have a chat with them. Kim, when I join you in heaven, I can only hope my arrival there will be as stunning and memorable for you and others, as your arrival was for us when you joined our class in elementary school. I KNOW you will be smiling with that beautiful smile of yours, and like you always did, offer to help me and others get settled in to our new home. You were a gem, and I am so fortunate to have been friends with you when we were kids. I know that the abundance of fond memories of happy times with you will help your family and friends through this time of grief. Fondly, Tom Doud Colchester, Vermont

J

Jane Hollingsworth posted a condolence

Sunday, January 9, 2022

The entire Goodwyn family sends their love. We were very sad to hear about Kims passing.

J

Jen posted a condolence

Saturday, January 8, 2022

I loved Kimi and still do! I was fortunate to know her through my dear dear friend Michelle, Kimi's sister. There is a special bond and love between sisters and I saw that first hand. I have it myself of which I am grateful for. Even in this crazy world we leave in and the trials and tribulations Kimi went through, she remained positive and optimistic. I loved her laugh, the many articles and fun new things on the market she would send me. The video of her souped- up walker post surgery!! I was texting with her right before Christmas. My husband and I were trying to figure out whether to spend Christmas here in Cary or get in car and drive to beach. I bet you know what Kimi texted!! She confirmed it with every beach emoji possible. We went to the beach!!! To the Yates family, my heart goes out to you all. Kimi loved you all so very much and it showed. I pray God gives you grace and healing daily. Sincerely, Jen and Chris Sousa and Family

S

Susan Sherman posted a condolence

Thursday, January 6, 2022

My condolences to the Yates family. I was lucky enough to be the president of Alpha Phi when Kim joined and to be an advisor when she was president. I had many conversations with Kim about her family and how much she loved you. I was happy to be a part of her Alpah Phi family and to watch her grow. She was a special person, even though we lost touch I will always remember her grace and kindness. Susan Carrochi Sherman

P

Paula Roland posted a condolence

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

To the family of Kim Yates , We the Roland women would like to send our deepest condolences for this great loss you are enduring in this new year . It was a pleasure serving Kim and Louie last summer . She was always a delightful, kind and thoughtful women when we were in her company . She will be greatly missed . Love , Paula , Ellie and Emma Roland

M

Marianne Kavanagh uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, January 4, 2022

Just heartbroken over the loss of our beautiful Kim. From the moment we met through Alpha Phi, I knew that we would be friends for life. Even better, we became sisters. I’ll always cherish our years at Delaware…Harrington D, rooming together with Michele and Carol in Christiana and the Phi House, Greek games, etc. So blessed to have reconnected over the past 5 years, and I truly hoped and prayed that we would have many more memories to make. Keeping the Yates family in my thoughts and prayers. Marianne Kavanagh

M

Michele Rafetto uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, January 4, 2022

Sending hugs and prayers to Kim’s family! SO sorry to hear this news. With all Kim’s successes, I always had faith/ hope she could overcome this horrific disease. Friends since 7th grade, sorority sisters/ little sister, roommates and beach pals to the amazing Kim! We were selected to do independent study by our algebra teacher in 11th grade. He knew we were ahead of the class but I’m sure because of who Kim was, he had faith we would keep up with the work. We did and had fun and many laughs while doing it! So many fond memories of singing and dancing with Kim, Carol and Maryanne in the Christiana towers. The Alpha Phi memories are endless too! Our life journey took us in different directions after college but thankfully our paths continued to cross. We both eventually moved to Kennett Square and lived about 5 miles apart. I always loved random white BMW X5, with a RB sticker, sightings, knowing Kim was behind the wheel! As infrequently as we were there, I always loved our KS walmart catch ups. I will continue to think of you as I pass by the 5 points intersection that leads to your home that you were so proud to design and build! I will truly miss our random connections and the special friend that you were! Until we meet again, Rest In Peace my sweet friend!

J

Jamie Hatfield Hickey uploaded photo(s)

Monday, January 3, 2022

To Kim’s family, I am so sorry for your loss. To Kim’s friends, I am so glad you knew Kim & got the opportunity to spend time & have adventures w her. For me, our friendship goes back to 7th grade & I was honored to be among her friends. We giggled, imagined, took adventures, grew & cried together. Kim, you put up an unbelievable fight over the past 5 yrs. I am sad but in peace that God called you Home. That fight is over & you get to bask in God’s healing light. I have pictured you on a beautiful beach in Heaven, cocktail in hand, a smile on your face & soaking up those warm rays you so dearly loved. I will miss you always & know that I will see you again. I love you, Jamie.

b

The family of Kimberly L. Yates uploaded a photo

Monday, January 3, 2022

Kimberly L. Yates

1960 - 2022

Pagano Funeral Home

Moreland-Pagano

Email Us

Quick Links: