In Loving Memory of
Kimberly Joan Simons
October 8, 1965 - April 21, 2022
The Kim Simons Future Educator Scholarship memorial scholarship was created in 2022 by Kim’s family. Kim was a ray of light beloved by many. Kim and her husband Larry raised four children, who all graduated from Westfield Schools. Kim provided her students with compassion, patience, and guidance. From her love of education, her memorial scholarship was established to support future compassionate educators who can carry on her mission.
Kim's Story
Kimberly Joan Simons, 56, of Westfield passed away April 21, 2022. She was born October 8, 1965, in Buchanan, MI, the daughter of Charles A. Taylor and Pat (Coleman) Breitkreuz. She married Larry J. Simons on October 8, 1988.
After high school, Kim went on to play volleyball at Hope College where she graduated with her bachelor’s degree and was a member of Delta Phi sorority. Kim was a dedicated wife and mother to their four children. Once her children were in school she joined the staff at Oak Trace Elementary as a teacher’s aide. Her greatest enjoyment was being with her family and friends, and spending time at the family’s home in Michigan.
She is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Larry Simons; four children, Skylar Simons, Makenzie (Kyle) McKinley, Jensen (Audra Moore) Simons, and Camden Simons; two grandchildren, Beckett and Maeve; father, Charles Taylor; mother, Pat BreitKreuz; brother, Van Taylor; sister, Patty (Marty) Schoonheim; mother-in-law, Jean Van Doorn; father-in-law, Leon Simons; brother-in-law, Leonard (Kate) Simons; and sister-in-law, Kay Lynn LeMieux. She was preceded in passing by her step-father, Fred Breitkreuz.
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Kim Simons Future Educator Scholarship Fund
The Kim Simons Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Kimberly Joan Simons at the request of her family. The Simons family shared Kim's love for education and their wish to support others through a scholarship in her name, as she dedicated much of her life and energy to children in the community. All four of the Simons children were actively involved in Westfield Washington Academics and Athletics. Not only was Kim dedicated to their endeavors, but she was very supportive of so many others along the way. Working for Westfield Washington Schools, Kim's love for children was pure, as there was never a child she did not love. She was an extraordinarily loving, kind, and patient teacher, always smiling even during challenging times. Co-workers marveled at her humor and sunshiny spirit.
Donations made will allow the family to endow funds for a scholarship in her memory through the Westfield Education Foundation. Specifically, the Fund shall provide scholarships to graduating seniors from Westfield High School who (1) have a minimum GPA of 3.30, (2) desire to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Education, (3) demonstrate compassion for children, and (4) demonstrate joy and a positive attitude.
Loving Legacy - Westfield Magazine October 2022
Loved by all . . .
Laura Tweedy- Kim and I were co-teachers at Orchard Park Learning Center for 6 years. "...She would “strut” down the hallway in her jammies with a huge smile on her face and all the children waiting to go in their classrooms would be just so excited to see her! Then she would hug each one of our kids as they came in the door, making them feel as though they were the most important child in the world!"
Robin Lynch- I hired Kim as an instructional assistant at Oak Trace Elementary. "...Anyone who knows Kim knows that she lights up a room with her contagious energy and smile. The students in this classroom were always so excited to see Kim each morning!"
Pat Barnett-I had the great pleasure of teaching preschool down the hall from Kim at Orchard Park. "...She was the perfect fit from day one. She loved our youngest Oak Trace children, and she was so loved by them."
Jane Hitch - I’ve known Kim since we served the Shamrock Springs PTO when our children were young. "...Kim loved her job, her students, her friends, and most importantly, her family. She loved going to the lake with her family and took such pride in her children and grandchildren. "
Sarah Gabriel - I was fortunate enough to be Kim’s neighbor. "...Kim had a gift for making everyone feel like they were her best friend, even strangers. Her laughter and kindness just drew people in. She did the same with kids. She would love on them like they were her own, which made them gravitate towards her. She put her own family’s needs before her own and did the same with her friends. Kim was the most kind and thoughtful mother and friend. I truly have never met anyone quite like her and I have never seen someone so loved by so many. "
Deirdre Rinne - I first met Kim at the Springmill Villages pool shortly after she moved in. "...She was always in a great mood and full of fun. She had hilarious one-liners, jokes and stories. She cared deeply about the kids and loved to pull a little one into her lap and give hugs. She loved to think of art projects and activities for the kids. We are all blessed to have known and loved her."
Barb Richard - I was not her coteacher, but her coworker for many years. "...I would describe Kim as glitter, her sparkle touched everyone around, coworkers and children alike! She made everyone smile and laugh so we too would sparkle! Life is better when you are covered in glitter and Kim covered us in glitter."