Judith Kimball

- A wonderful mother, grandmother, and matriarch of our family, Judith Kimball, sadly passed away on May 8th at the age of 81. She was a wonderful woman who loved her family more than anything. Although the pain of her absence seems a heavy weight on our hearts, we know she is with us still, watching out for us, as she always has.

Judy grew up in La Crosse, Wisconsin with her 4 siblings; Sue, Jerry, Rod, and Steve. She eventually met and married Ron Kimball, whom she had three children with; Mike, Tammy, and Steve. All of whom survive her, as well as her brothers Rod and Jerry, and with their wives Karen and Joyce.

In 1978, now divorced, Judy and her three kids moved to Orlando, Florida. She continued working as a secretary at the University of Central Florida which also enabled her to continue to pursue her college education. At the age of 38, Judy earned her Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Certified Public Accounting license. She would go on to work in public accounting for Florida Power & Light, where she quickly climbed the company's ranks. After being with that company for a decade, she took a position with Minnesota Power and Light which operated all over the east coast including Florida. She excelled with this company taking a position as an accounting manager, then to Vice President of Finance, and eventually Comptroller. She was the highest-ranking female in the company.

Of course, Judy's children married and began families of their own during this time as well. Mike married Cecilia and they had two children; Laura and Michael. Tammy married and had a daughter, Shanna. Steve met and married his wife, Sally. Judy's family was growing exponentially, and with it, the amount of love and memories being made.

At the age of 62 Judy decided to change career paths after her company ceased doing business in Florida and pursued her love of animals by opening two local pet stores. After a few years, she decided to officially retire. However, little did she know, the next amazing chapter of her life was about to begin.

Judy's first granddaughter, Laura, had her first child Conner. Since Laura and her husband Scott Stinard, had to work full-time, Judy would step in to help take care of her great-grandson. As the years went by Scott & Laura would have two more children, Cole and Kelsey. Judy's other granddaughter, Shanna, married Eric Steinberg. They gave Judy two more great grandchildren; Weston and Fynn.

Taking care of the great grandchildren, going to every baseball game, dance recitals, school events, family dinners, and many birthday parties over the years is what kept her so young at heart; she would never miss an event. Her family was the most important thing to her, and her love will reside in their hearts for the rest of time.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 17th from 1-2pm at Highland Funeral Home, 3329 E. Semoran Blvd., Apopka FL.; where funeral services will be held beginning at 2pm. Mrs. Kimball will be laid to rest immediately following in Highland Memory Gardens, Apopka FL.