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Kimberley Rowe (née Smith)

December 17, 2015

Our Angel has now received her wings. Although we are heartbroken, we can find comfort in knowing she is at peace. At home and surrounded by her loved ones, Kim Rowe, of London and formerly of Whitby, on Thursday, December 17, 2015, at the age of 53. Beloved wife of the late Gregory Rowe. Incredible mom to Hayley (Dan Fisico), Emily (Fraser St. Amand) and Alexandra. Dear daughter of Bertram and Gwen Smith; daughter-in-law of Frances and the late Eddie Rowe. Caring sister of Tyke (Jean) Smith and Konnie Van Deburgt. Also greatly missed by nine nieces and nephews, as well as her sisters- and brothers-in-law. Kim was a long-time employee of Fanshawe College’s International Department. She had a passion to live life to the fullest, and she positively affected each life she touched. Kim was an extraordinary mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend. She truly was a Gift from God, as she would brighten every room she entered, with her beautiful smile and infectious laugh. A memorial visitation will be held at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 from 1:00-3:00 and 6:00-9:00 p.m. It was Kim’s wish to not have a traditional Funeral Mass, however, the daughters will be hosting a Celebration of Life in the spring. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Kim are asked to consider Ovarian Cancer Canada or Operation Smile.

“Kindness in your HEART”
will be forever instilled in the lives
of those who knew you. We believe Heaven
has greeted you with open arms,
the same way you greeted everyone you met.

 

May you and Dad watch over us together.
Until we see you again, XO.

 

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I am reduced to tears. Kim was a strong right to Greg's left while in school and was loved equally by her friends as his. Her personality was equal parts love, humor, and empathy. She helped to make us all better people!

~ Ted Hutchinson

(Donated to Ovarian Cancer Canada)

~ Linda Cass

(Donated to Ovarian Cancer Canada)

~ Regina elliott

(Donated to Ovarian Cancer Canada)

~ Jim Cassidy

(Donated to Ovarian Cancer Canada)

~ Larissa Jones

(Donated to Ovarian Cancer Canada)

~ Shirley Twist

(Donated to Operation Smile)

~ Sheila Chick

(Donated to Operation Smile)

~ Bill Mahu

My sincere condolences to the Smith and Rowe families. Along with other friends who have written here, I, too, met Kim when we worked and played together at Boyne River Natural Science School in the mid-80's. It's been many years, but the enduring memory of Kim's natural and honest exuberance for Life and the joyful energy she radiated brings me back to those truly great times. Kim was just so much fun to be around. Her photo captures what I hold in my heart as the Kim I taught with and learned from. All of us at "The Boyne" will have our own memories, but I have no doubt that we collectively share a memory of a very happy soul whose friendship made our days there more beautiful. Thanks, Kim.

~ Scott Grigsby-Lehmann

(Donated to Ovarian Cancer Canada)

~

I learned today of the passing of Kim. She was such a joy to be around; always one to lend a shoulder to cry on or a joke to laugh along with. Kim was one of those rare people who always remembered seemingly every event, and never forgot to reach out and check in with you no matter what she was coping with herself. I would be honoured to find out the details of the Celebration of Life to be held this spring. Rest in peace Kim: I will forever remember your smile.

~ Amanda Koski

My condolences to the Smith and Rowe families. I met and worked with Kim at the Boyne River Natural Science School in the mid-1980's. I will always remember her as a warm, kind, vibrant woman. It is with sadness and shock to learn of her passing.

~ Jim Tole

We have kept your mom and dad in our prayers over the last 3 years since we met your beautiful family in Barbados. I am devastated to hear the news of her passing and continue to keep her daughters and extended family in our prayers. I can honestly say that Kim was like no other person I have met, her exuberant spirit and contagious laughter and unbelievable positive attitude made me love her from the moment I met her. She bent over backwards to assist us with enrolling Luke and the 2 other Bajan boys (Dominic and Johann) into Fanshawe and I will never forget the lunch meetings we had with her and the invaluable advise she gave to Luke, Dominic and Johann during their first year. I am certain she is as radiant in Heaven as she was here on earth and that everyone loves having her around. May she live on in each of her daughters and may they always know they had a very special mother. May she RIP. Kim you will be missed xo

~ Cox Family -Barbados

My heartfelt condolences to the Smith and Rowe families. I met Kim when we worked together at Boyne River Natural Science School in the mid-80's. A warm and generous spirit, Kim was always interested in the lives of those around her and I remember many a late night 'snack & talk' in the cafeteria at the Boyne. I too will miss her warm smile, wonderful laugh and sparkling eyes. When I lost my sister a friend offered me a poem which I found comforting then and find of comfort today. I offer it to you in the hopes that you may find some comfort as well: I know not which the greater be, The part of me that died with you, Or the part of you that lives in me. Anonymous

~ Bill Craig

Deepest Sympathies to you all. I grew up with Konnie and we were neighbours and school chums; Kim was always a positive role model for us younger girls. I am so sorry to learn of Kim's passing. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time xoxoxoxoxo

~ DOROTHY (DOE) GRYLLS-MCCORMICK

I'm sorry to hear about your mom, Alex! I'm thinking of you! My heart goes out to you, Brittany

~ Brittany Pollock

Alex, I'm am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. When I think back to your family's time at Ashley Oaks, I remember your mom's smile. She was always very kind and had nice things to say about everyone. I also remember her tradition on your birthday to make ice cream sundaes with many toppings. What fun. When I think of your mom during the last few years I see a woman of courage and strength, and still she continued to have that beautiful smile even during the toughest of times. Your mother is a true inspiration and a gift from God . I hope that you and your family will be filled with peace, comfort, and joy as you remember the wonderful memories of your mother. God bless you all.

~ Sandra Lunic

Kim was one of those rare people who made everyone around her better simply by being present. She was an inspiration personally and professionally. We valued her friendship and her support. We will truly miss her and never forget her. You were your Mom's inspiration and she was proud of all you. Our thoughts are with you.

~ André and Robin Jardin

(Donated to Ovarian Cancer Canada)

~ Patricia Mason

(Donated to Ovarian Cancer Canada)

~ Brian, Nancy and Courtney Simpson

(Donated to Operation Smile)

~ Bill Craig

(Donated to Ovarian Cancer Canada)

~ Bill Craig

(Donated to Operation Smile)

~ DOROTHY GRYLLS MCCORMICK

(Donated to Ovarian Cancer Canada)

~ Pat & Stella Casey

(Donated to Ovarian Cancer Canada)

~ Nima Basharat

(Donated to Operation Smile)

~ Debra Elkin and Steve Fredricks

(Donated to Canadian Cancer Society)

~ Barb & Lew Carter

(Donated to Ovarian Cancer Canada)

~ The Arding Family

(Donated to Ovarian Cancer Canada)

~ Vicki Hyssen

(Donated to Ovarian Cancer Canada)

~ Luke Mueller

(Donated to Ovarian Cancer Canada)

~ Diane Simpson

(Donated to Ovarian Cancer Canada)

~ Patricia Mason

(Donated to Ovarian Cancer Canada)

~ Patricia Mason

(Donated to Ovarian Cancer Canada)

~ Erin and Jason Boyd

Hayley, Emily & Alex, my condolences to you along with the Smith and Rowe families. I worked with your mother in the International Centre, most recently covering for her student recruitments in Trinidad and Barbados while she was on medical leave. The Caribbean families and students all loved her so and share in your loss. Sometimes in life we are lucky to have the opportunity to meet a person that truly stands out from all the rest and that was your mother. Always there for everyone, anytime, anywhere. Laughter as she entered the office, always. This laughter would always spill into our offices every day; she had a presence that no one could ever replace. Compassionate, sensitive, dedicated and respected when dealing with the students and staff. Each person was so important to her. Her love for the three of you was so evident. A proud mother always talking about birthday cakes & parties, sports events, holidays at the cottage etc. She would never be at a loss of words talking to us about each of you and your dad. I will miss her friendship but glad that this difficult journey is over for her. She has left many beautiful memories for all and thank you for sharing Kim with us. Mary Lou

~ Mary Lou Vanderhoeven

Dear Girls - you are so right, your mom was and will always remain a true gift from God. I have never known anyone like her - she was able to light up a whole room and every soul in that room - just with her smile. She was probably the nicest, kindest most genuine person I have ever had the honour to know and I will miss her. Every time is see those special rays of light coming from the sky, I think of the angels watching over us - Kim will add to those rays and I will think of her with special thanks for being part of my life. I know there is great sadness in your hearts now - but you will have only smiles and laughter as you remember her and your dad and share your wonderful memories. May God's newest Angel watch over you and may feel that love every day.

~ Kathu Gerber

I think this is one of those things I never thought I would have to write. I was shocked when I heard of Aunty Kim's passing, it was as if I lost the closest person to me. Anybody that knows us, knows that Aunty Kim was like our second Mom, she was referred to as our "White Mom". One thing we never cater for in this life is for the loss of our parents, they are the ones we think are going to live forever. Aunty Kim was the kindest, most caring, dependable, and most loving person ever. One of the things that I'll never forget is how Aunty Kim would refer to us as "Her Boys". No matter who it was with, no matter who we were being introduced to, we were her sons. She was one of those people that never saw race, religion, or colour, if you were good to her, she reciprocated the love. Aunty Kim was around since we were babies, we saw her almost every day, that smile and laugh will never fade from my memory. I can go on and on about Aunty Kim, there are countless memories and good times that we've had together that will be impossible to forget. Her radiant personality and beauty will live on with us forever. Hayley, Emily, and Alex, just know that both of your parents would be immensely proud of you guys. I see a bit of both them in each of you. My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with you guys. Love you guys!

~ Nawaaz Khan

Hayley, Emily, Alex, Smith Family and Rowe Family There are not enough kind, heartfelt words to describe Kim. She touched and inspired so many lives. She was the "light" in everyone's lives...we all wanted to be Kim. Her compassion, empathy, honesty and seeing only the good in people made her very special. I worked with Kim for years and watching her help and change client's lives was amazing! Kim was my mentor and I am very grateful and blessed to have met a beautiful angel that always had a heart of gold. I remember Kim buying groceries with her own money during her lunch hour for families in need. You would never hear a word from Kim about her good deeds in helping clients for that is how Kim preferred everything to be. The clients were the ones who were amazed with her generous acts of kindness. I will miss her. Hayley, Emily and Alex know that your your mom was loved by everyone! Our angel Kim has now received her wings. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Vicki Hyssen XO

~ Vicki Hyssen

I feel so blessed to have known Kim...initially in her last year of high school when she attended Henry Street, and then at Western, where we really got to know each other. We were all so pleased when she met Greg, who was in the PhysEd faculty with me and our mutual friend Denise. They were such a great match! Kim's love of life and her love for everyone in her life was spectacular. She was truly one of a kind Thinking of Kim's girls, Hayley, Emily and Alex during this terribly difficult time. Janice Fleming

~ janice fleming-gole

I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing; may happy memories and the love and support of family and friends help sustain you during this time.

~ Dave MacLeod

Kim spent many hours advising and interviewing students for our first Costa Rica placement. She taught us how to reconize potential in our students. Her passion, energy and goodness were a gift.

~ Margot Sippel

We knew your mom from Fanshawe College. We are very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your entire family. Teresa and Doug Arnsby-Weaver

~ Teresa Doug Arnsby-Weaver

Hayley, Emily and Alex, please accept my heartfelt condolences. I am sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Kim taught me for a brief time at Alma College. It has been a pleasure to know her. She was honest, the real deal and a kind and loving person. Her smile and laugh was infectious and she was full of life. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

~ Nima Basharat

Fondly referred to as "Downtown Brown," Kim's favorite shade of lipstick. Kim's beautiful smile is now lighting up heaven. Until we meet again my Downtown Brown friend.

~ Bonnie MacBean

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you move forward with Kim's love of life, open arms, and kindess of heart. You have the best angel watching over you.

~ Marg Medeiros

Kim was a beautiful soul that I got to know b/c she took my mat leave at Alma and made a host of new friends . I kept in touch with her through her career as a young proud mother and a supportive and loving wife. She was such a positive person and her goodness shone through. She will be greatly missed.

~ Nancy Irons Murray

Very sad to hear of Kim's passing away. Kim was a very sweet person full of energy and always sported a radiant smile. May her soul rest in peace and god give her family strength through these difficult times.

~ Samuel Yerraguntla

Kim, the eternal Bucket Filler, who greeted everyone with open arms and loving kindness. Her bucket runneth over... and I am blessed to have known her as both colleague and friend. Celebrating your beautiful Mom with you.

~ Deb Bomans

I am saddened to learn of Kim’s passing and my deepest sympathies go to Kim’s daughters and family. Kim’s boundless optimism, endless encouragement and her deep commitment to students made her a terrific and much loved friend and colleague at Fanshawe. She had a profoundly positive impact on everyone who met her and I am tremendously grateful for having known Kim. Although her kindness of spirit will be missed, my sincere hope is that it will live on with all those who knew her.

~ Gregg Erauw

Kim and I worked together in London for a few years. She had the most amazing sense of humour and we laughed until we cried. Her and Greg's kindness will never be forgotten. You are together again, embracing, and hopefully watching the Habs. They could use a little magic currently.....:0) My thoughts and prayers are with you Hayley, Emily and Alex. I hope to be there to celebrate your Mom in the spring.

~ Debra Elkin

Haley. Alex and Emily please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your mom. I had the great fortune to work with her at Fanshawe. It was there I witnessed her endearing spirit and her commitment to humanity. She truly was an inspiration and will be missed dearly. Please smile everytime you think of your mom. Xoxo

~ Darlene O'Neill

My deepest sympathies to Kim's family. I worked at Fanshawe with Kim. She was a wonderful person. Kim will be truly missed by so many people.

~ Gord Worrall

With great sadness I am writing this. I am so sorry for your loss! Your mom was an amazing person with a pure heart. She connected and touched so many people. She will be sadly missed by all. My prayers are with you guys in this difficult time. Amani

~ Amani Radhaa

Hayley, Emily and Alexandra, our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family. Kim was an extraordinary person. So warm, loving and thoughtful. She will be missed greatly and will always be an inspiration to us to live life with kindness and to the fullest.

~ Lori Waldbrook and Jim Yanush

Remembering and celebrating the beautiful spirit, loving heart, and sweet nature of your Mum. We at Fanshawe were fortunate to have worked with someone so full of life and whose fondness and appreciation of our international students was palpable. A truly lovely person who will be deeply missed.

~ Sheila Chick

Hayley, Em and Alex, it is with a very heavy heart that I send my condolences for the loss of your Mom. I have never never felt so far away. I was always envious of her memory for names and facts about people. She was so good- hearted. She will be sadly missed but she is at peace and will be keeping an eye on all of us! Stay strong and cherish th memories. Hugs to all of you... Susan Czypyha xo

~ Susan and Peter Czypyha

Hayley, Emily and Alex, so sorry for your loss, Kim was a wonderful person. From the hockey family of Lorena O'Shea.

~ Kate o'shea

I am so sorry for your loss! Your mom was a wonderful person. I worked with her at Fanshawe College for many years. She really did touch so many lives in such a positive way.

~ Beverly Haggerty

Thinking of you and your family Emily! You are the strongest person I know. Hockey girls are the strongest! Hugs and prays!

~ Natalie Clark

Our condolences goes out to the entire family. It is sometimes very difficult to accept the loss of one young parent. To lose the second one in such a short period of time is not fair. We know that the girls will do well in life as Greg and Kim gave them all of the best family values to survive in life. Please use those good values that you were taught and you will be as successful as they were. Our thoughts and prayers will be with the girls.

~ Dennis & Kim Burt

Hayley, Emily & Alex, Thinking of all of at this most difficult and remembering your dear mother who was an inspiration to all of us. I remember her with fondness during your years at Ashley Oaks. She always had a smile on her face, with boundless energy and a positive spirit, ready to do anything to support you and your teachers, arriving with treats and fixings for sundaes to celebrate your birthdays and always ready to lend a hand. Your mother will live on in all of you as you travel through life, carrying with you her love and wonderful memories.

~ Kim Verhaverbeke

Thinking of your family in this most difficult time. May the beautiful memories of your mother carry you through. Thoughts and prayers are with you all With love The Damettos (Dora Dave Adele Caroline and David)

~ Dora Dametto

Your mom was an inspiration to all who met her. For the International Students at Fanshawe College Kim was their support, caregiver and advocate. Your mom was the first to know a student needed help. In the International Centre she always asked about our families and knew when we needed her support. Kim, you will be missed and remembered forever. You mom's spirit will be in our office every time a new student walks through the Fanshawe door for the first time. You touch our personal lives in a way that can never be duplicated. Fond memories will linger forever. with all our love Bruce and Mies

~ Bruce Wilson and Mies Bervoerts

Hayley, Emily and Alex, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Tyke, Konnie & families, and to the Rowe Family - my deepest sympathy extended to you all. Kim was a phenomenal person and she make everyone she met feel so welcome and loved. We met in high school and she always kept in touch - especially at birthday time (our birthdates are 5 days apart). Truly heaven has gained an angel and left a huge void here. I truly hope all the love and support you receive from her many friends, and all the wonderful memories you have, help heal your loss during this very difficult time.

~ Carol Hancock (nee Gibson)

Kim was a great lady full of compassion and a big heart. Her smile was contagious that can brighten any room. She has helped so many of us, international students at Fanshawe, always jumping from her seat to come to the front desk or call us at the back to her cubicle. She was so passionate about her job, helped and guided so many of us. Always finding the time to come to our events and/or driving us around despite being a hockey mum. Kim you will be missed. You have touched so many hearts with your selfless and kind spirit; you will remain an inspiration for so many of us. My condolences to your daughters and family...

~ Heeresh Ramdhunee

I have known your mom for about 49 years. We first met because we were in the same kindergarten class together many many years ago. I vividly remember her chipping her front tooth on the door frame at school and having to rush out to a dentist to get it fixed. I think we were in about third grade then. We moved on to high school and enjoyed many wonderful years together there. She was one of the most popular girls in school because of her outgoing personality and awesome good looks. Although we have had miles between us since high school, Kim has always kept in touch with me and everyone else she meets. Kim did not need to be on Facebook, she was Facebook! She kept all us up to date and informed about all our high school friends, their jobs, significant others, their children, etc. (and lets not forget, their Birthdays!!) She even managed to send me a birthday wishes in mid November even with her own deteriorating health. Friends and family were so very important to her. I will miss her gorgeous smile , wonderful laugh, caring disposition, energetic personality and friendship. I feel blessed to have had her as a friend for all these years. She will forever be missed. I am so sorry for your loss . Thinking of you all at this difficult time, Hayley, Emily, Alex, Konnie, Tyke, Gwen and Bert. Hugs and prayers to all.

~ Diane Simpson

Hayley, Emily, Alex and Family. We are all thinking of you at this difficult time. Your Mom was a beautiful and wonderful women who loved everything and everyone dearly and she will be missed by many who knew her. We send you love and strength at this very sad time. Aunt Elaine Smith and all of her family (Brian, Gary, Larry, Kevin, Craig and their families)

~ Aunt Elaine Smith and Family

Our sincerest condolences to all family and friends. Kim was a shining light to everyone who met her at any time. She will be great missed. Her courage in this last two years has been an inspiration not to be forgotten by anyone who knew her. She will be also warmly remembered by all the international students at Fanshawe whose lives she touched and positively influenced.

~ Mary Pierce and Quintin Lang

Our warmest thoughts go out to Kim's family. She was a strong person and we admired how she was able to make everyone around her laugh. She was an amazing friend and I know she will be greatly missed.

~ Alison and Paul Sims

I'm so sorry for your loss girls, your mom was beautiful person inside and out. I will keep you in my prayers.

~ Maryann and Dave Vieira

Uncle Bert, Aunt Gwen, Hayley, Emily and Alex, We are truly sorry for the loss of Kim. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and our prayers. Marie and Family

~ Royce Smith

Words can't describe how sad I was to hear of the passing of Kim Rowe! I worked with Kim at Employment Services Elgin for years and she was loved by everyone there! I can honestly say that I can't remember anyone that I have met in my life who was more genuine, sweet, honest, funny , strong and full of fun and life! Heaven has indeed received their Angel back home! I talked with Kim many times about her wonderful daughters and how much she loved them....so my prayers are with you girls but I know your Mom would have passed her incredible strength on to you....take care of yourselves and each other...that would make your Mom smile and give her peace!

~ Linda Cass

Hayley, Emily and Alex, your Mom was such a good friend and co-worker. We worked together in the early 1990s until we moved back to Toronto in 1995. She went out of her way to help others and was such a positive person. It was always wonderful each year since to receive her Christmas emails to see her family. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.

~ Felicity, Craig and family

Kim, not really sure what to say... I did not know you had been suffering with that much pain. Not really sure why bad things happen to good people. You were absolutely the most supportable person to many of international students at Fanshawe. Sometimes you were good friend, good listener, good teacher and obviously good mom to them so they all could have been well suited in the country. Please remember that there are thousands of people praying for you at this moment globally. Rest in peace Kim. You will be never forgotten. I will miss you.

~ Serin Hong

Hayley, Emily and Alex in particular, please accept our most sincere condolences on the passing of an amazing person who lived life to the fullest with courage and enthusiasm and love for you three. Your Dad was a good friend as a fellow hockey coach and as a fellow soccer parent and we were saddened by his passing but we know they are together now with peace and happiness for eternity. May God's blessing bring your whole family strength through this difficult time and ultimately peace as you remember how blessed you are to have had such a wonderful Mom and Dad. She was certainly an inspiration to and had a positive impact on so many.

~ Jim and Janet Cassidy and family

Hayley, Emily, Alex, Mr & Mrs. Smith, Konnie, Tyke, and your families, the Rowe families this is such a hard time for all of you. l know nothing will ever replace the special place Kim holds in all of your hearts. Just know that there are so many people that love and support you and lift you all up in prayer. Kim was a special angel here on earth and now in heaven. Sending lots of love and hugs to you all.

~ Teri Crosmas (nee Lovelock)

My sincerest condolences to you on the passing of your Mom. Kim was a mentor for me in a program I attended through the Y. Her kindess, encouragement and sense of humor completely changed my life. I have succeeded because of her and for that I am forever grateful. May her memories live on with you forever. I know she will always be in my heart.

~ Tammy MacDonald

It is with my deepest sympathy to girls. I worked with your Dad for a very long time and your Mom was a wonderful lady. Always smiling! She will be greatly missed. Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre sends our condolences.

~ Nadine Dumlop

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