Lucia H. Kimball

Lucia Harvie Kimball, 94, passed away peacefully in her home in Swansea, MA, on September 20, 2024. Born in Fall River, MA, she lived a life rich in compassion, joy, and a deep sense of humor. Known for her generosity and optimism, Lucia had an incredible ability to bring out the best in those around her.

She was the beloved daughter of Lucia Bliss Harvie and John Barr Harvie. Lucia cherished many remarkable stories from her childhood in Barrington, RI, including riding her bike everywhere, ice skating, babysitting, teaching toddlers to swim, and writing letters to her father during the war, among other exciting experiences of that era. She delighted in family gatherings at the Bliss family farm in Swansea, surrounded by her many cousins and relatives. A proud graduate and valedictorian of Barrington High School in 1947, she went on to earn a cum laude BA in Psychology in 1951 from Wheaton College, Norton, MA. That same year, she made history as the first flight attendant from Rhode Island for United Airlines, a path that not only took her to the skies but also led her to her first husband, Allan Galloway, a serendipitous encounter that fulfilled her dream of starting a family. Throughout her life, she held various positions, from working for a jewelry manufacturer in Providence, RI, to art galleries in northern Michigan, which ultimately led to her entrepreneurial venture in creating bead jewelry.

Lucia dedicated herself to community causes, actively participating in the Unitarian Universalist Church in Traverse City and the First Christian Congregational Church in Swansea. While living in the Chicago area during the 1960s, she supported the Civil Rights Movement; although she longed to attend the March in Chicago Heights, her commitment to her four small children kept her at home. As a Girl Scout leader, she inspired many young women by sharing her love for bike riding, learning and civic engagement. She always took great joy in sending gifts or books to young people, fueling their imagination and encouraging their future success.

Her deep love for people and dedication to advocacy were reflected in her many volunteer efforts, including as a founding member of the Northwest Michigan Human Services Agency, where she championed underrepresented communities and people in need. She was a dedicated ACLU court watcher and active in the League of Women Voters, the Barrington Women’s Club, and the Fall River Women's Union. A lifelong learner, she took numerous arts and crafts classes and participated in Stanford University’s Women’s Health Initiative since 1998. Her impact on the lives of others was widespread, as her genuine attention and interest enhanced the lives of those in every community she called home, even sending notes of congratulations to local families after athletic and academic achievements.

Lucia's creativity and love for arts and crafts were evident in her extensive collection of glass, ceramics, modern art, paintings, and prints. She found joy in crafting, reading, and attending craft fairs and galleries. An active participant in outdoor activities, she enjoyed bike riding, cross-country and downhill skiing, golfing, and even water skiing. She took up golf later in life and enjoyed meeting new friends in golf leagues. She found great joy in traveling, having visited places including many countries in Europe and East Asia, Mexico, and across the United States always capturing moments with her camera. Her diverse interests reflected her curiosity and desire to be well-versed, as she attended not only artistic events but also major sporting occasions, such as the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, and the 2018 Boston World Series, adding to her ever-growing list of life experiences.

She had a deep love for living by the water, a passion that shaped much of her life. She grew up along the Barrington River, enjoyed summers at a cottage on Lake Michigan during her years in Traverse City, and later moved to the Coles River in Swansea, and shared many joyful winters on the Gulf of Mexico in Englewood with her husband, Art.

Lucia is survived by her four children: Nancy Stirling (CB) of Sandy, UT; Susan Johnson (Gene) of Midlothian, VA; James 'Randy' Galloway (Lisa) of Traverse City, MI; and Elisabeth Hadley of Marana, AZ, as well as her stepchildren: Cyndi Thau (Bill) of Melbourne Beach, FL, and Steve Kimball (Gail) of Wakefield, RI. She is also survived by three grandchildren: Lucia Papineau of Sebastopol, CA; Conor Papineau of Salt Lake City, UT; and Jeffrey Johnson of Midlothian, VA, and six step-grandchildren: Rayden Miller of Senatobia, MS; Gina Elbert (Eric) of Midlothian, VA; Rachel Johnson of Richmond, VA; Rachel Connelly of Massapequa Park, NY; Richard Thau of Oakdale, NY; and Matthew Kimball of Richmond, RI; her brother, James Harvie (Ruth) of Topsham, ME; her nephew, John Harvie (Andy) of Stow, MA; and her niece, Meg Coon (Howard) of Cumberland, ME. Additionally, she leaves behind numerous other adoring relatives, including cousins, nephews, great-grandchildren, and many beloved friends and neighbors. She was predeceased by her husband of 30 wonderful years, Arthur F. Kimball; her former husband and father of her children, Allan Galloway; her parents, Lucia (Harvie) Almy and John B. Harvie; and her beloved dachshund, Penny, her loving companion.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 8:30am to 9:30am with a service to follow at 9:30 in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Birchcrest, 189 Gardners Neck Road, Swansea, MA. The interment of ashes will take place following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Lucia Harvie Kimballl to the following organizations: First Christian Congregational Church, 1113 G.A.R. Hwy, Swansea, MA 02777, or the ASPCA. The family would like to acknowledge her wonderful neighbors for all the support and care over the years.

Lucia will be fondly remembered for her remarkable memory, her genuine warmth, and her unique gift for making everyone feel seen and loved. Her thoughtful notes, carefully chosen clippings and gifts, heartfelt stories, and unwavering kindness touched all who knew her. Her laughter—both with others and at herself—will be deeply missed. She will forever be remembered as a strong, independent woman with a beautiful spirit.