Kimberly Marie Kozian

      If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Kimberly Marie Kozian. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Kimberly was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

      Kimberly was born at Cottage Hospital in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. She was the daughter of Dennis Cyril and Sylvia Antoinette Kozian. Kimberly was raised in Warren, Michigan and Chesterfield Township, Michigan. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Kimberly was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Kimberly's personality throughout her life.

      Though Kimberly was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Kimberly was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Kimberly worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Kimberly was raised with two siblings. She had one younger sister, Lauri and one younger brother Dennis. Kimberly and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Kimberly was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Kimberly was always tactful. One thing Kimberly will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Kimberly had a number of interests and was an active child. Kimberly took part in Cheerleading. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout. In her spare time she liked reading books, roller skating, listening to music, played piano, kept journals and wrote letters to a penpal regularly Kimberly's memorable achievements included always being a Straight "A" Student!

      For Kimberly, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Kimberly was also adept at details. Kimberly was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from L'Anse Creuse High School North in 1984. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was Journalism. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Mrs. Bourland. She was the Salutatorian, Editor-in-chief of North Star School paper and yearbook.

      College can be a challenge, but Kimberly appeared to be well equipped to succeed. She had a knack for staying focused and on track no matter what was going on around her. Kimberly had the ability to work undisturbed through all of the constant interruptions that are a regular part of college life. Kimberly enjoyed using the skills she'd already learned and applying them to new courses. She knew the facts and rarely made factual errors. She earned her Bachelors in Journalism. She also pursued graduate school, earning her Masters of Arts and Education. At Central Michigan University she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, Barnard Hall Residence Hall Assistant and Fordham Residence Hall Director.

      There was one thing that all of Kimberly's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Kimberly was such a popular person throughout her life. But Kimberly was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Kimberly was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Kimberly was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Kimberly was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Kimberly was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Kimberly made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her Bffs were Nancy Stachura, Molly Duggan, Anne Martel, Karen Burck, Joyce Hanna, Sian Smith, Monique Kaczor, and Kathy Garcia. Later in life, her Bffs were Karen Burck, Nancy Stachura, Molly Duggan, Karyn Schoof, Carol Osborn, Katie Dishman, Jim Francis, Chris Trent, John Alwardt, Jenn Duffield, Janan Savaya, Cheryl McCarthy, Ann-Nora Hirami, Amy Grochowski, Paula Peterson, Chris Kizlowski, Kyra Hilton, Renee Spear.

      Taking her work seriously came naturally to Kimberly, and she expected the same from those around her. Kimberly was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Kimberly was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Kimberly handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was a High School Teacher. She was employed for 18 years at L'Anse Creuse North, previously at Romeo High School, and Mt. Clemens High School. Upon receiving her Bachelor's Degree she worked for Gralla Publications in New York City. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

      A methodical woman, Kimberly enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were music, attending concerts, musicals/plays, hanging out with friends, movies, Red Wins hockey games, reading books, and daily newspapers.

      Kimberly was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Kimberly was always enthusiastic and a great team player. In high school, Kimberly was a Cheerleader for 4 years. In her college years, Kimberly continued to stay active in Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority activities. Recreational sports included working out at Lifetime Fitness, Pilates, and Golf. Kimberly also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were Hockey, CMU Football especially versus rival teams, and enjoyed a healthy rivalry with her brother who graduated from Western Michigan University.

     Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Kimberly to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Kimberly did her fair share of volunteer work. And she wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. In high school, Kimberly was a member of the National Honor Society. In college, Kimberly joined the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, Central Michigan Newspaper, and a Residence Hall Assistant at Barnard. Throughout her later years, Kimberly was an active member of the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association, Secretary and Board Member and an active member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Alumni Association.

      Kimberly was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. She was appreciated and respected. She could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about her own values and beliefs. So it’s little wonder that she was active and highly valued by those in her community, serving on committees for the Huron Sands Homeowners Association Board Secretary for 2 years in Oscoda. Politically, Kimberly was a Liberal Democrat!

     Her high moral standards and traditional values served Kimberly well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church for 39 Years. During that time, she was a Religious Education Leader for 1 year. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

      A generous and compassionate woman, Kimberly accomplished much during her lifetime. Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Kimberly was recognized and given awards for her many and varied efforts throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards were L'Anse Creuse High School North Alumnae of the Year, and L'Anse Creuse High School North Teacher of the year.

      Not only did Kimberly enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included enjoying time on the beach at her condo shared with her Mother in Oscoda, Michigan, a trip to Haly with her Mom and dear friend Katie Dishman, a trip to New Zealand with her Mom to visit her life long penpal and friend Sian Smith, Spring Breaks in St. Augustine, Florida visiting Dad and Karen.

      Kimberly was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Each of her sweet rescue dogs were equally loved and cherished by Kim, Sox, Shadow and most recently Tiger.

      Kimberly passed away on August 28, 2017 at McLaren Macomb Hospital in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. Kimberly fought a brave battle against colon cancer for 3 1/2 years. She is survived by Grandmother Helen Kozian, Father Dennis, Stepmother Karen Kozian, Mother Sylvia Kozian, Sisters, Lauri (Mark) Harsen and 2 Nieces Sylvia and Isabella, Brother Dennis (Sarah) Kozian and 2 Nephews Dennis and Benjamin Services were held at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. Kimberly was laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township.

      Kimberly was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Kimberly was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Kimberly Marie Kozian.

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Kimberly Marie Kozian, 50, our beloved daughter, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family after a three year battle with cancer August 28, 2017.

Kim graduated Salutatorian of the L’Anse Creuse High School North class of 1984. She received her Bachelors in Journalism in 1988 from Central Michigan University. Kim adored the many friendships cultivated during her 4 years, especially as a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority and Barnard Hall Resident Assistant.

From there, Kim moved to New York City to pursue a career with Gralla Publications. Kim adored her New York friends and the culture. She was especially enamored with musicals. Kim spent 4 years in the great state of New York where she thrived as Residence Hall Director at Fordham University while completing her Masters of Arts and Education in 1992.

After earning her Masters, Kim returned home to Michigan. She taught High School at Mt. Clemens, Romeo, and her home away from home and Alma Mater, L’Anse Creuse High School North where she taught English, Newspaper & Yearbook for 18 years where her blood ran gold. Kim was a highly respected teacher, member of Michigan Interscholastic Press Association, and most importantly beloved by her students and was an inspiration to so many through the years. Kim received the distinguished honor of being a L’Anse Creuse High School Alumnus of the Year and MIPA Teacher of the Year.

When Kim was not at school, she was a voracious reader, loved to travel, see movies, and spend time with family and friends. Kim loved the beach, especially in Oscoda where she shared a vacation condo with her mother. Kim was a strong advocate of animal rescue organizations. Her latest companion is a dog named Tiger, a forty mile per hour couch potato, who misses her dearly. Everyone knows Kim was passionate about music and loved attending concerts. Her loving and kind students recently raised money and gifted her with Bruno Mars concert tickets along with a limo and dinner.

Kim is survived by her parents, Sylvia Kozian and Dennis Kozian; step-mother, Karen Kozian; grandmother, Helen Kozian; sister, Lauri (Mark) Hansen; brother, Dennis A. (Sarah) Kozian; Aunt Palma and Uncle Aldo Grossi; Uncle John and Aunt Julie Paniccia; nieces, Sylvia and Isabella Hansen; nephews, Dennis Robert, and Benjamin Kozian; and cousin, Christa Hebert.

Kim is predeceased by her beloved Grandparents, Theresa and John Paniccia and Arthur Kozian; cousin, Michael Hebert.

Visitation Thursday, August 31, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. time of remembrance at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield Road, Clinton Township. In-state Friday, September 1, from 9:00 a.m. until the 9:30 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Peter Catholic Church, 95 Market St, Mt. Clemens.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the family which will be used for a memorial fund for journalism scholarships that will be established in Kim’s name. Kim touched so many lives and we want her legacy to continue.