Kim Kimmy Bauman Parker

Kim was born September 27, 1957 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. From the very start it was clear that Kim had a great joy of life. She was vibrant, she was outgoing. Kim was the life of the neighborhood. Some parents even gave Kim the dubious honor of "ringleader". They were pretty much on target with that. Kim was always at the center of anything and everything that went on in the neighborhood. Many afternoons were spent playing "Flash Gordon" with Kim as the director, producer and casting agent. Then there was the time she decided to make pancakes. Cooks we were not. They turned out harder than rubber. We actually took them outside and played softball with them. we made a terrible mess but never laughed so hard. Good Times. Innocent times.Kim was a competitive swimmer and diver from junior high through her high school years. She was a fierce competitor. She understood at a young age it took focus, grit, determination and a lot of practice to achieve her goals. Her drive and dedication served her well throughout the years, particularly when cancer came to call.Kim was a beautiful person, inside and out. She was fun, she was witty, she was selfless. She never knew a stranger. everybody wanted to be in her company. Particularly the boys. Kim turned heads. She was just that way. I don't think she was ever aware of the attention she got everywhere she went.In 1973 the family moved from New Jersey to Wichita Falls, TX. Kim was in for a culture shock. New Jersey was laid back, the girls wore T-shirts and jeans to school. Not in Wichita Falls. The girls were still wearing dresses. Jeans weren't allowed. It was quite a difficult adjustment and Kim rebelled. Was it coincidence how the school environment and dress code became more relaxed after Kim had been there for awhile? Most likely Kim had some influence with that. she graduated from Rider High School in 1975.Kim attended college at Midwestern State University for a time. She was a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. Eventually she took on a series of full and part time jobs in order to support herself. In the late 80's Kim relocated to New Mexico where she met ad fell in love and later married Rick Parker. They relocated to Tucson Arizona where they lived for many years. Kim and Rick have three beautiful children, Emily , Deric and Sami. Kim was an amazing mom. She took deep pride in her children and loved them fiercely. She was an extraordinary wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend.In Tucson, Kim graduated from Pima Community College with a degree in nursing. The most remarkable thing is she achieved this goal during the early days of her first diagnosis with cancer. After the surgery to remove the diseased part of her lung, during chemotherapy, Kim never gave up. She was a fighter. Always had been. Kim received a standing ovation at her graduation. She earned that. Never was a family so proud.The family moved again, this time to Merritt Island. Kim fell in love with the town as soon as she laid eyes on it. She loved the beach and was very happy there. Kim worked in a Pain Management Clinic. She loved her job. She loved helping people. Kim made many friends everywhere she went. Everyone who knew Kim loved and respected her.Kim was a music enthusiast to say the least. Her love for music and great bands began early. From following small local bands in Wichita Falls to the big guns, BonJovi. What can be said about her great dedication and passion for that band? Everyone who knew and loved Kim loved that about her.In late 2008, the cancer once again returned, this time with a vengeance. Kim defied all the odds for a year and a half. She fought so valiantly. She never complained. She wouldn't give up. But the cancer had battered her body for too long and she was just too weak. Kimmy passed away in her husband's arms on February 5, 2010. In both life and death, Kim personified grace, dignity and courage. She is a hero to so many of us.Kim's legacy will live on through her children and her husband. This fearless, compassionate, loving and beautiful person will remain indelibly etched in our hearts and minds forever.Kim is survived by her husband, Rick; children, Emily, Deric and Samantha; grandsons, Noah and Nathan; mother, Margaret Bauman; sisters, Shari McGill and Melissa Skinner; brother, Mitch Bauman along with beloved nieces Amanda, Marisa, Brianna and nephews Michael and Ryan.