Kimberly Ann Paquette

Kimberly A. Paquette

Love, to be true, is not shaken by storm;

Not broken by heedless words, nor shattered

by an inattentive cold. Love is warm.

It burns neither fast nor slow, but gently aglow.

Love settles deeply within, never to be flattered.

And that I love you, is all that has mattered.

To Kim from Alan (Valentine’s Day 1977)

Kimberly A. Paquette of White Plains, Maryland passed away in the early morning hours of May 3, 2022 following a hard-fought battle with cancer. She was 67. “Kim” was born in San Diego, California, the first of six children to Everett Neville Hunter and Nancy Caro Hunter. She was a devoted wife and partner of 47 years to her husband Alan, a truly exceptional mother to sons Ian and Dylan, and an always giving and caring spirit who was dearly loved and cherished by all who knew her.

As we celebrate and remember Kim, at this time of painful grief and heartache on her passing, know that her gracious and loving spirit shall endure forever, and shall endure within our hearts and our everlasting memories of her, and within all those having the good fortune to have known her.

Kim’s own words, captured in a voicemail to her sons a few years ago, best convey her exceptionally loving and lovable nature, elegant wit and humor: “Hi my sweet precious Angel, it’s the best mother in the world calling you. God, you’re lucky you’ve got me.” And now, from that simple message, all who knew and loved Kim, can hear her soothing voice and remember her charming ways, and know, that she loved them dearly and that they were also lucky to have had Kim in their lives.

Kim was a true romantic, and felt deeply the pains, trials and tribulation of others. She always found ways to be there, to support, sacrifice and share any way she could. Kim made everyone feel special and comfortable. She possessed a deeply felt and lasting love for her family, friends and others, and had no shame whatsoever in showing it. She was a shining light of compassion, love, beauty and support to those in need. Kim remained steadfast, brave and courageous throughout her life, despite the increasing pain and suffering her body was compelled to endure over time.

Kim studied art in college, and became an accomplished Graphic Artist and Studio Manager. Upon the birth of her first son, Kim tried to continue to work in her profession, but soon realized she could not bear to be apart from her “precious Angel”, and quit her job. Kim dedicated herself to being the best mother and homemaker she could be. Of course, as in all things Kim thought important--she was passionate, organized, devoted, and exceptional at it.

When the time came for her sons to begin grade school, Kim began by following their school buses all the way there, just to make sure, and to show them that she would always be there for them. Kim soon volunteered to be a teacher’s aide at their school, Saint Mary’s Star of the Sea School in Maryland, so she could be around her “boys” during school days as well. The school thought so highly of Kim’s capabilities, of how beloved she was, that they asked her to become the Art Teacher, which of course, Kim accepted and enjoyed immensely.

For Kim, her “boys” were the center of her Universe! She and her husband Alan, were involved in all their activities, from Schooling to Scouting to Sports. And despite the ever-increasing pain, and debilitating hardship of her rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, Kim never allowed that to stop her from enjoying life, or of being the best wife, mother and homemaker that she could be. Kim possessed an indominable spirit and would not be deterred. And she never was!

Hockey Mom, Scouting Mom, wife, daughter, sister and friend--Kim was always “there” always supportive of her husband, children, family and friends; always loving, willing and able to do whatever she could. There is no doubt whatsoever, Kim was a very special person, a very special soul, who touched the hearts of many!

She was the best wife and mother, the best daughter and sister, the best of friends. She never complained or allowed her physical hardships to slow her down or detract from what she had to do and wanted to accomplish. On the contrary, Kim found joy in every part of her life and found time to give of herself to all who needed her. Kim was always sincere, humble, loving and gracious, as her life and legacy attest. Kim’s life teaches us many valued lessons. Her life is one of kindness to others; of knowing what is most important in life, and cherishing, protecting, and doing it well; of holding family and loved ones close; of supporting others in need in every way you can; of not complaining, but rather, of finding ways to overcome, focusing on others, and learning to live as fully and joyfully as you can, and so much more!

In our deepest sorrow, grief and heartbreak, we struggle comprehend, as Kim is the Rose that has been plucked from the garden. What are we to do with the thorns?

Although Kim is now taken from us, we must remember, the first thing Kim would say to us all, is not to despair. That is why we celebrate Kim’s life and her legacy. Her kindness, loving spirit and giving nature shall endure, and shall in no way be diminished by her passing.

Remembrance of Kim, and the beautiful soul that she is, will long endure in the hearts of all who knew her. Kim loved family gatherings, meeting with friends, traveling (especially to London and Ireland), the celebration of birthdays, special holidays and her favorite, Christmas. Kim always made great efforts and found ways to make them special.

Kim loved a good party, enjoyed good company and a robust game of Trivial Pursuit! Kim loved life, loved others and was herself easy to love.

We are thankful to have had Kim for the time God gave us. Kim’s unique and loving Spirit shall endure forever! “Thank you, Father, for sharing Kim with us and the time we had to be with her! May her gentle and loving spirit now rest in peace in Heaven, free of the pain and suffering that she, more than most, was compelled to endure. We take solace in knowing that the legacy of her life, of her beautiful sons, family, many friends, and her wondrous spirit shall be everlasting. Kim was a gift to us all, and will always be deeply loved and greatly appreciated. Until we meet again my love! Amen!”

Kim is survived by her husband, Alan, her sons Ian and Dylan, her mother Nancy, her sisters Kelly and Kathleen, her brothers Kevin, Kristen and Korey, and by 20 nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held in remembrance of Kim at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 30 Mattingly Ave., Indian Head, MD 20640, at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 16th.

Following Mass, internment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Rd, Clinton, MD 20735 at 1:00 PM.

Family and friends are welcome to attend in a celebration of Kim’s life at 3690 Foxhall Place, White Plains, MD 20695 following the internment.

The family welcomes memorial donations to cancer support charities, such as Ulman Foundation (https://ulmanfoundation.org) and Metavivor (https://www.metavivor.org), as an expression of sympathy instead of flowers.

You can share in remembrance of Kim and in the celebration of Kim’s life by clicking the link below:

https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/PLBAsEWL#view