Kimberly Dietrich Martin

She is survived by her children, Kristin and Andy (Michele), from her former marriage to William Martin, and her six beloved grandchildren: Cameron, James, Ash, Liam, Maddie, and Alex. She also leaves behind her brothers, Donald Dietrich (Debby) and John Dietrich (Betsy); her cherished cousins, Donald Graab (Peggy) and Janet Graab-Miller (Tony); and her nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly.

Born in Midland, Michigan, to Robert and Carolyn (Gibb) Dietrich, Kim’s journey took her from Myers Park High School in Charlotte, NC, to Boston University School of Nursing, where she earned her BSN. From an early age, she developed a love for horseback riding and treasured visits to her grandmother Elsie and her beloved aunt and uncle, Dorothy and Jud Graab.

Kim’s calling to care for others shaped an accomplished career in nursing and education as well as family life. She taught at the Mary Hitchcock School of Nursing in Hanover, NH, worked as an operating room nurse in Minneapolis, and contributed to the genetics department at Long Island Jewish Hospital. Later, at Duke University Hospital, she was Director of Nursing for the operating rooms and served as a nurse educator. Throughout her career, she mentored countless students and brought compassion and dedication to every patient and colleague she encountered.

As a mother, Kim was a constant source of encouragement —her children’s biggest supporter in every endeavor. She brought warmth and a nurturing spirit to parenting, always creating a home filled with love. As a daughter, Kim was a steady source of companionship, care, and support for her father during his final ten years as a widower in North Carolina.

She found joy in windsurfing on the waters of Napeague Bay in Eastern Long Island, playing tennis, and traveling to Europe and the Caribbean, where she never tired of the clear, turquoise waters. She found comfort in watching her favorite shows —I Love Lucy, Frasier, and Jeopardy—which brought her relaxation and delight. Her grandchildren will always remember the Christmas Eve pajamas she faithfully sent each year—a simple but cherished tradition that reflected her thoughtfulness and excitement around making the holidays special. She shared a special bond with her dog, Whiskey.

Kim was a devoted friend, especially to her lifelong childhood friend Kathy Yigdall, and her dear Duke University Hospital colleagues Marcie Telford, Ann Ward, and Kae Somers. She was someone people could count on—loyal, kind, and deeply caring.

She will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate to know her gentle spirit, generous heart, and enduring devotion to family and friends.

No services are planned currently. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, a cause meaningful to her and her family.