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Kim M. Hrdina

Kim Hrdina Obituary

Kim M. Hrdina, nee Brennan, 44, of Naperville, at peace Dec. 26, 2007, after a brave battle with breast cancer. Born Feb.12,1963 in Shirley, Mass, beloved wife of James; loving mother of Amanda, Rachel and James; dear stepmother of Melissa (Tony) Plaza; darling daughter of Luise and the late Michael Brennan; dearest sister of Michael (Laura) Brennan and Kelly (Steve) Gibson; aunt of Jaime, Michael, Shannon and Gabi; loving daughter-in-law of Ruth (James Campbell) Hrdina. Family and friends will gather on Saturday, January 5, 2 to 5 p.m. at the Overman-Jones Funeral Home, corner of Routes 30 and 59, Plainfield. A Celebration of Kim's life will begin at 5 p.m. For info: 815-436-9221 or www.overmanjones.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune from Jan. 1 to Jan. 4, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Kim Hrdina

Sponsored by someone that will remember her forever.

47 Entries

Kelly Gibson

November 15, 2023

Coming up on 16 years without you. I think about you all the time, miss you more with each passing day. You have 4 grandchildren, that you would have loved deeply. Wish you were still here, but know in my heart, that you are no longer in pain. I miss you my sister.
Love you!!
Kelly..

Kelly Gibson

January 29, 2018

My sister,
It's hard to believe you have been gone for 10 years now. I think of you often, and wonder what you would be like today. Your kids are grown, and you would be so proud of the adults they have become. There are still so many times that I think of something and think, god I need to tell me sister this.. I do, but in prayer. I miss you, my sister - still
Love me, Kelly

Melissa Hrdina

December 17, 2011

Kim- cant believe another Christmas has come without you!! Miss you so much! I hope you are happy and watching us from where ever it is that u are! Ant is getting big and I wish u were here to see him. I'm sure he would've loved you very much!! I love u always,,,
Melissa

Your Broken-Hearted Mother

December 26, 2010

To my Little One - Today is your 3rd anniversary in Heaven and I miss you and love you more than ever. Tears still fall every day. I am so thankful for Michael and Kelly and all my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Things change and situations come and go, but you will always be my baby. Nothing will ever change that. I love you.

melissa hrdina

July 29, 2010

Kim- To this day I still miss u so very much. If only you were here to see my son anthony you would be amazed at how much he acts like jimmy at this age... god help us all!! A lot has been happening since u left and a lot of people have moved on.. still hard for me. I love u and miss u everyday :)

xoxox Melissa

Karen Fricker

December 26, 2008

Still miss you so much, and think about you all the time. Love you

Kelly Gibson

December 11, 2008

As the one year anniversary of your passing draws near... We still miss you so deeply. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you. My only comfort is knowing that you are at peace. Until we meet again my dear sister.. I love you and miss you more and more each day...
Kelly~

Michelle Schneider

October 7, 2008

Kim~

You have a beautiful Grandson! Melissa and Tony did a great job! I've only seen pictures but he is an absolute Gem! There is a picture of Jim (Grandpa) and AJ and there is one person missing from that picture and that one person is you my dear! Oh Kim, I miss you so much I cannot even put it into words. I know you are watching from above and have got to be so proud. Here's to you, Grandma!! I love you always.

rachel daughter

August 10, 2008

Melissa's pregnant. In october mom. Anthony Joesph. 9 pounder.

Ryan Sheedy

August 10, 2008

To Mrs. Hrdina,

I never really got you meet you. Every time Rachel talks about you, or I hear a story about you I wish i got you meet you even more. When you told Rachel she was in love with me before she ever met me in person you were so right. I felt that after hearing all these wonderful stories about you I should write in your guest book. I just want you to know that i wish i had the opportunity to get to know you better.

Love,
Ryan

Jaime.

January 30, 2008

I cant believe its been more than a month. i think about you everyday. I cry just about everyday. Not because i know you're gone, moreso because i know ill never see you again. I miss you, we all miss you. the whole situation is still so..unreal to me. I love you auntie kimmy. :]

Aileen Gilpin

January 17, 2008

Dearest Kim,
I still have the pearl earrings you gave me for babysitting Amanda, and the memory of the first time you sneaked me into the bar (copperfields)when I was only 17 but what I'll miss most is how seeing you and hearing your voice made me always remember my mother more. I know that you are in good hands now with mom (Dolly) and our other loved ones. But the footprints you leave behind here are truly ones that cannot be filled. All my love, Beana (Aileen)

Nelishia Whittemore

January 17, 2008

I was a friend from within the AOL journaling community. She was valiant all the way to the end of the fight and gave encouragement to so many, and friendship to those she'd never met personally. She will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to her husband and children at this time. In my prayers.

Penelope Andersen

January 17, 2008

Dearest Kim, you are admired and loved and that will not change. You will be missed and remembered and that will not change. You altered peoples lives with your candid and honesy and that will live on and never chante

Guido Blokland

January 13, 2008

I was a reader of Kim's on-line journal, and admired her spirit and fortitude in the face of increasing adversity. Kim was a beacon of hope for others, when no hope was left for herself. Her memory will live on in her family and those she helped directly or indirectly, either through her illness or otherwise. Rest in peace, Kim, now beyond pain.

Sandi Doscher

January 9, 2008

For over three years we interacted with each other's journal. Kim was a friend to many in the true sense of the word. She was filled with courage, determination and most of all, love for her family. I realize no amount of words no matter how well stated can ease your pain at her loss right now. Just know that she was much loved and will be very missed.

Vonnie Beattie

January 9, 2008

To the Family of Kimberleigh,

Kimberleigh signed my journal on June 7, 2007.....which happens to be my husband’s birthday. When I posted the piece I wrote in my journal, I didn’t put an alert on it....so I didn’t discover Kimberleigh’s posting until now.

When I did discover Kimberleigh’s posting, I immediately went to her journal to respond.....only to discover that lost her fight with breast cancer. Even though Kimberly and I never connected, I felt so distressed to read of her passing. I know in my heart that if we had connected, we would have become fast Internet friends.

I was so moved by her entry in my journal, that it somehow seemed like it was meant to happen....just this way. Strangely it seemed that Kimberleigh’s posting on my journal.....was really meant to reach out to Kimberleigh’s family and many, many friends during this sad time. Proving to me.....that Kimberleigh’s light will continue to shine in the hearts of all those who loved her....even those of us who never met her. You can read Kimberleigh’s entry in my journal by “That’s Where You Will Find Me! (Our Final Home)” Just copy and paste: http://journals.aol.com/beattievon

My heart goes out to all of Kimberleigh’s family and friends,

My sincere condolences,

Kathy

January 8, 2008

To all of Kim's family,

I have been reading Kim's journal, and she was an extraordinary woman. I love her, and I do not even know her, except through her writings, and pictures!! I wish I could have known her, personally. I wish she was still here, because she had so much to share, teach, and give! I know how you all must love and miss her, if I, a total stranger, feels such love for her! God bless all of you with the peace, love and comfort that all your wonderful memories hold for you.

I just wonder why somebody with so much talent, goodness and love to give, has to be taken away??? Life sure is not fair! It makes me so very sad. We all need people in our lives like Kim!! She was so beautiful inside and out! She made me laugh, and cry at the same time. Cry, because I will miss her, and reading her journal. Also, because I feel like I have lost a friend, that never even knew I was there! What a tremendous loss for your family, and all that knew you from your journal. I am so very sorry that you all had to go through so much. I wish I could take it all away....

Thank you Kim, for sharing yourself with all of us. You have certainly given us a lot to think about and cherish. I had never read a journal before yours. What a lovely way for your family to remember you! You've certainly made them proud! R.I.P. Kim!

Sincerely,

Rachel H.

January 8, 2008

I miss my mother. Dad and I are getting along, for once. & Jimmy's been hanging out with me and Ryan so it's all good. Boomer jumped up on your bed, he misses you too. Poor dog, doesn't know where you went. Michael cried at your memorial. I met your beloved friend Jeff, he's pretty cool. Amanda already started taking your clothes and Melissa's been bonding with Jimmy. You never got to open the Christmas present I got you, It was a box of carmel chocolates. Dad misses you the most. It's hard knowing that I'll never see you again because I dont believe in heaven. So it's pretty pointless for me to write this because you'll never see it. You'll never get to see me grow up. Never see me married. Never see my children or grandchildren. I'm sorry for not behaving when I should have. But i'm your daughter, possibly a little more wild than you were. I can't help it but i'm trying, oh believe me, i'm trying. Miss you.

Love,
Your daughter,
Rachel.

Sharon Reed

January 7, 2008

Only knew Kim through her journal but when she talked could see her smile. She even took the time to tell me all about her camera when I asked about it and her lovely photo's. Sorry for the loss for her family just know how many people loved Kim many of us that never had even met her.

Nancy J

January 7, 2008

I knew kim through her journal, She was truly a beautiful person and even know i didn't know kim personally you could see her sincerity through her words. She was truly a brave woman and the most upbeat person through her darkest days. She was truly someone i looked up to and will be deeply missed by all the came to know her. My deepest sympathy to her loving family. I pray for you all.

Wendy Webber

January 7, 2008

Heaven has another angel but not like they've ever had before! This blonde haired, boot wearing, fun loving girl is one who will be missed by so many who never even got to meet her, but she touched our hearts and lives and for that we remain forever thankful. Deepest sympathies to her beloved family.

Wendy in Oz

Susan Rudd

January 6, 2008

I met Kim through her online journal. Her courage and humor were endless. She is in a better place with a new perfect body waiting on her loved ones to join her when their time comes. My heart goes out to her family. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers for a long time to come. Just know she is your angel now watching over you.

With Deepest Sympathy,

Jenn Schimmel

January 6, 2008

To Kim's Family...

I knew Kim only through her journal. The first entry I read, I added her to my alerts and read every one after that. She was an amazing person, and a huge inspriation to me. A true warrior, not just of her cancer, but of life itself. She taught me, through her words how to live each day to the fullest, and to never take for granted even the smallest things. Everything in this world is a blessing, and should be viewed as such. My heart goes out to you, as I know you are hurting right now. I already feel the absence of her presence in J-Land, and I know that it will never be the same without her entries. I know that is only one tenth of what you are feeling right now. God has called a true Angel home, he needs her now to be a warrior for us all in heaven.

Rest in Peace dear friend...even though we never met face to face, you will always be in my heart...

Jason

January 6, 2008

Aunty Kimmy,
Its hard now that you are gone,i try my hardest to hold back the tears. i know that crying and mourning is the exact opposite of what you would have wanted. i tell myself that all the time.you were just that kind of person. the person that even in darkest moments, all you cared about was the family. Dont worry, Everyone is staying strong. it is alot harder for some than it is for others.but we ALL know that everything will be different.we are going to miss your "Brennan" sense of humor at parties,and your smile that was so strong im sure even "gram" could see it.(ha ha)i wasnt sure where you had went at first, because i remember when you were diagnosed with BC i asked if everything was going to be ok, all you said was" Kido, i aint goin nowhere, cause heaven dont want me and hell is afraid im gona take over" (ha)but if what you said is true im sure you used your Irish Persuasion on God and now ur relaxing up in heaven with the rest of those "knuckle-heads". and i promise, i will make sure and take good care of your family. so in closing take it easy relax and enjoy yourself up there our pink warrior, your strength inspires us all.
Love your nephew,
"J"

Marla

January 6, 2008

Kim you were one of my first journals I read on line and you had me hooked. I know when I saw an entry from you, I could not wait to read more. Your talk of your family and your life. What a joy. I live in IL. also and we would talk about some good places to shop. She loved shopping. I will miss you. You are a wonderful person who will always make me smile. Hugs and Love

Penny Perez

January 5, 2008

Condolences don't seem to be enough for the loss of a young brave woman.
Lord, I offer this prayer for Kim - bless her familly and friends as they grieve. Give them peace where sadness now lives, the joy of knowing that Kim is with You now. Let them feel Your presence each time they think of her. Lord, you are so awesome! I know that you can and will do anything we ask in Your name. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen

stephanie fossey (cozzone)

January 5, 2008

Kim you are going to be missed so much. You we're like family to us, it's been a few years since we seen you, but we always talked about you & never forgot about you. I have great childhood memories of you, amanda, you we're my moms best friend. This is so shocking and sad, we love you & we'll miss you terribly! Love Stephanie (Cozzone) Sue Delfiacco's Daughter.

Terri Lashbrook

January 5, 2008

To Kim's family..I am so very sorry for your loss..you are in my thoughts and prayers today as you have been for awhile now..today I plan to light a candle in my home in memory of her.. Kim was such an inspiration to many of us, her friends on the internet(Jland)...she taught us so much..she lived her life to the fullest, never taking a moment for granted and had amazing strength and hope...she had the best sense of humor ~ She will be missed dearly....and will never ever be forgotten...for she has left her footprints on our hearts.

Fly with the Angels my friend...
Until we meet again...
We love you Kim!

January 5, 2008

Kim was one of the most amazing people I ever met. I never met Kim in person, but I feel as if I did. There is an empty place in my heart.

Mary D

January 5, 2008

Every time Kimberleigh talked about how very blessed she was I always laughed & corrected her. She was our blessing. I never left a conversation with her without feeling cared about & comforted.

Bridget Zielinski

January 4, 2008

My Darling Cousin Kim,
Or as we called each other..Sybil. (For our many charming personalities)LOL It's so funny how when your father died, you thought it necessary to feed me information on the "sanitary napkin" calling it a 'boat'. And how you were hiding Amanda behind some ridiculous shirt you called "fashion". Oh, how we laughed our "bottoms" off!!! Taking Ebony (the dog) thru the drive-thru at White Castle!!! Everbody would be like,that poor dog! We were like, HELLO... POOR US...We suffered more than the dog did. He loved going there! :) I have soooooo many great memories! You know, I am feeling sad. I have my moments. And I know that I am going to miss your smile. And your warped sense of humor. But like you...I am strong. As I know you would want me to be. But something seems to be missing......and my darling it's you.
I love you more....
Bridget

Roxie Giesler

January 4, 2008

Kim's Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I only knew Kim from her on line journal. She was such a brave lady. ALways using humor to tell us of her battle. I am sad to think she is no longer here with her loved ones, but feeling blessed that she touched my life and so many others.Her battle has now been won! God bless her sweet soul and give her family strength to go on with out her. Your in my prayers!

Michelle Schneider

January 4, 2008

Kim truly is my hero. Words cannot tell how much I miss her. She gave it her all and in the end truly did show the courage and class she had. To Kim's family, I thank you for letting me be a part of your world. I don't know that my life would be the same had Kim not been a part of it. Now after her passing I feel blessed to still be a part of your family. Please know I will always be here for each and every one of you, just like Kim would expect of me, her friend. My love and prayers are with you all.

Rick B.

January 4, 2008

Dearest Kim,
What can I say, Judy and I will miss seeing your smiling face and ever present happiness. Know that you will never be forgotten and that you will be truly missed. See you in heaven some day. Rick

Cheryl Maguy-Stewart

January 4, 2008

Please, accept my most sincere condolences on the loss of Kimberleigh.
Kimberleigh was so easy to care about and will be impossible to forget.
Kim's Irish strength and courage were so inspiring.
She loved Jim and her Children and her writings were so full of her personality and love for live and family
She loved her sister Kelly so much too. I sure it will be hard on you all.
I wish there were a words that heal, they don't. So I send you a hug.
I am so sorry for her Family and friends,
I send you all a hug from New England,
Cheryl
[email protected]

See you in heaven Dear Kim, I have learned much from you, your bravery and spirit. We shall have a wine toast in heaven my friend, Goodbye.

Kelly Gibson

January 4, 2008

Kim,
you were a remarkable woman and truly an inspiration to those who knew you. I am having a hard time thinking about what my life is going to be without you. I just know that there is a sadness in my heart and a void in my life without you.There is not a minute that goes by that i don't think about you.My dear sister I will miss you so deeply...but i know in my heart you are finally at peace and you will never have to hurt again...rest peacefully pink warrior, rest peacefully....your loving sister....Kelly
Kelly Gibson (Joliet, IL)
Contact me

Joann Donley

January 3, 2008

I'll miss Kim's smiling face in J-land. She was always such a happy person, her attitude always blew us away! She was a true inspiration to us all! My prayers are with her family.

sherry briscoe

January 3, 2008

Much love and respect for a woman who was brave and caring ,
hugs
Sherry

Dana K.

January 3, 2008

I've been a faithful reader of her journal since 9/06. Kim was such an inspirational, sweet, and funny woman whom I've had the pleasure of meeting online. I will deeply miss her and my thoughts and prayers go out to her family. I will not say goodbye as I believe in the after life and heaven. I will only say so long my friend. I'll meet ya on the other side.

I hadn't written poetry in a long time but I wrote this in memory of Kim.

J-Land had the Vivi's in 2006
I went journal hopping to add in the mix
I came across one of a Pink Warrior, Kim
Who had been sick from cancer months on end

As I read back in her archives to July 2006
I realized she was in a fight for her life
She was a positive and brilliant writer
Who wrote with much humor

She had not one selfish bone in her body
As she worried more about
Jim, Melissa, Amanda, Rachel, & Jimmy
than herself

She was an inspiration with a beautiful spirit
And loved by many who came her way
With strength and courage
She fought all the way

Even on her bad days, she could make us laugh
"Why me?" she never asked
She took whatever was thrown at her
With all the determination and fight she had

She fought and fought but a cure was not to be
Getting weaker and weaker
Always thinking of her family, she waited to leave
Christmas came and went

With her family surrounding her
She became an angel with wings
Whom we'll all miss terribly
Rest in peace, my dear friend

Copyright - DKK 12/28/07

Cheryl Maguy-Stewart

January 3, 2008

Kimberleigh was so easy to love and will be impossible to forget.
Kim's Irish strength and courage were so inspiring to me and many others.
She loved Jim and her Children, her writings were so full of her spirit, personality and love for life. He great loves were her camera, family and the lake she loved.
She loved her sister Kelly so much. I'm sure it will be hard on you all.
I wish there were some words that heal,they don't. So, I send you a hug From Massachusetts.
I am so sorry for her Family and friends & AOL journal pals.
I send you all a hug from New England,
Cheryl
http://journals.aol.com/cste609371/writingsshortstoriesbyStewart/

See you in heaven my Dear pal Kim, I have learned much from you, your bravery and spirit. We shall have a toast in heaven my friend, Goodbye.

Kelly Gibson

January 2, 2008

Carol Harbacek

January 2, 2008

To the Hrdina/Brennan Families.
Your beloved Kim went to high school with my two daughters, Jody and Julie. And although I haven't seen her in many years, I will always remember her spunk, her joyful soul and her zest for life. She spent many a day making me laugh at some of her antics. Hot summer nights would find these teen-age girls pool hopping...from one yard to another. They were quite something. Her passing has left a void that will be hard to fill, for she left this world much too soon.
My deepest sympathy and hearfelt sadness goes out to her loving family. May you find some peace in knowing that the angels surely lead her into paradise. I'm sure she is in the arms of an angel as I write this.
Peace be with you Kim ,and also with those who loved you best.
With much love,
Carol (Chabus) Harbacek

Karen Fricker

January 1, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007

Karen Fricker

January 1, 2008

My deepest sympathy. I have never met a braver person. Kim always stayed positive and has become such an inspiration to so many. My life is richer for just having known her. She will be sorely missed by me and my whole family. I love you and miss you, Kim. Rest in peace.

marijo cinquegrani

January 1, 2008

Kim has added so much to so many lives that she touched, it has been my honor & blessing to have shared so closely in her life. The memories will last a lifetime, the laughter we shared, the love she gave, the lessons she taught will be forever a gift that I was given in knowing her.
I do not feel that Kim lost her battle with cancer, I never saw anything but a couragous fighter, she took many on her journey with her in the fight for her life & in knowing her I only knew a winner. Here's to you my lil friend, Thank you so much for all that you gave & you did it til the very end with a class like no other. I love you~
To Kim's whole family who I will forever be grateful~I am so sorry for your loss, in Kim's passing I know she joined us all together & my prayer is that we continue to hold tight to the bond that she left us with. Thank you for sharing her with me.
mar~

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