in memory of "kimmy" "kimber" "Kim" Tudor

my childhood friend, who passed away this week. you will be missed. (kim is on the far right with the red headband :) this is from a slumber party in 1985 at robyn's house. all of these girls were in the same class, as well as girl scout troop!

Kimberly Ann Tudor
Kimberly Ann Tudor, 32 PORTLAND -- Kimberly Ann Tudor, 32, of Portland was suddenly called to God on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008, after sustaining a brain aneurysm at home. Kimberly was born in Portland on March 1, 1976, the daughter of Roy M. Tudor and Nancy A. (McCausland) Tudor. She attended Portland schools, graduating from Deering High School in 1994, as a scholar/athlete. Kim was the Salutatorian of her class; a member of the National Honor Society; recipient of the 1994 Williams College Book Award; the National Council of English Teachers Society writing award; and elected a Maine Scholar. While attending Dirigo Girls State, she received the Most Outstanding Lobbyist Award. Kimberly also earned varsity letters in softball, basketball and cross-country. She was Deering's female nominee for the Maine Sports Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete and received the 'D Club' Ram Award for Cross Country. Kimberly continued her education and softball athletic endeavors while attending the University of New England, where she earned a B.A. in Business Administration, graduating with honors in 1998. Upon graduation, Kimberly was hired by Verizon Customer Service, in Portland, and she worked her way into special project and training details. She transitioned into a Manager of Training position with Fair Point, after the sale of Verizon. Her duties involved the 'Cut-Over Project' switching from Verizon to Fair Point's control of the business and all of it's systems, called for her to travel in New England, and over the last several months, weekly to Atlanta. Her work team's travels up and down the east coast earned them the affectionate work codename 'The Ballerinas.' Quoting one her bosses about her work ethic it was said, 'Kim is a go-to person - the total package.' Another example of Kimberly's versatility was that she briefly acted in locally produced television commercials for Andover College. Kim's sports life was prophetic, with her pictured on a 'Sports Illustrated' cover, in her youth. Kim continued her athletic pursuits post-college by playing softball for the Coastal Athletics Women's Softball Team, as sanctioned by the American Softball Association (ASA) and the United States Slow-Pitch Softball Association (USSSA). She played for her coach and mentor Art Piteau, for 14 years, mostly as an infielder because of her great throwing arm. Over those years, Kim was part of several local league and state championships: out-of- state tourney championships and five trips to represent Maine in the national tournament locations, the most recent of which was held in Florida, during September 2008. In her life, cut too short, Kim had the honor of carrying the Olympic Torch for a leg of it's Maine journey in 2000. Kim loved to run Baxter Boulevard in Portland and participated in charity run/walks as well. She actively played in the South Portland women's basketball open gym nights and also in the USM 3-on-3 charity basketball tourneys. Kim was an avid Red Sox fan. She and her mother, Nancy would plan trips to Fenway Park. The location of their seats didn't matter as long as they were together. The treasured their Red Sox memorabilia. Recent years of Red Sox success brought great joy to them both. Kim and her mom also looked forward each year to their annual holiday bus trip to New York City in early December. This year was no exception. Kim's favorite spiritual quote was, 'In God all things are possible.' Kimberly was predeceased by her father, Roy M. Tudor; and her maternal grandparents, Dexter and Virginia McCausland. She is survived by her adoring mother, Nancy A. Tudor of Portland; loving uncle, David L. McCausland and aunt Heidi Sipe of Mount Vernon; grand step-mother Mary Townsend of Buxton; half brothers Dale Tudor and his wife Maryann of Lincoln, and Kenneth Tudor of Milford. Kim's pride and joy, pet Pug 'Bella' is now left in the care of Kim's mom. Kim also leaves behind many friends and co-workers from each part of her life, all of whom will miss her deeply. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, Jan. 2, 2009, from 1-2 p.m. at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Stephen Carnahan of the Open House Church officiating. Internment in Evergreen Cemetery, Portland will be private. You are invited to share your thought, condolences and fond memories with the Tudor family by visiting Kim's guest book at www.mem.com. In lieu of flowers donations in Kim's memory can be made to: The Kimberly A. Tudor Scholarship Fund Care of MWA Financial Services 470 South Main St. Brewer, Maine 04412 This fund will benefit women aspiring to careers in business or Brain Injury Association of Maine 13 Washington St. Waterville, Maine 04901