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Kira Grimaldi Obituary



GRIMALDI KIRA MICHELLE ALSTON GRIMALDI June 19, 1974 - May 23, 2008 "We're Celebrating her Life" She came into the world laughing and went through life with the most beautiful grin. Kira was born in Newark, NJ -- June 19, 1974 to John H. Alston, II and Illia W. Alston. As their middle daughter, she was the true center of the family. Raised in Plainfield, NJ, Kira's zest for life and happiness is reflected in her closeness to family and lifelong friends. She valued true friendship. A do-it-yourselfer, Kira would take any opportunity to get a little crafty and create something special with a personal touch. She graduated from Spellman College, then went on to earn a Masters in Architecture from Georgia Tech. After a few years, she moved a little closer to home, and decided to pursue her true passion in teaching. She was employed with the Nysmith School For The Gifted in Herndon, VA. She would find enriching the lives of children the most fulfilling. Along the route she met the love of her life, Francisco, who would help nurture and support all her dreams and decisions. They were married October 7, 2007 beaming with the excitement of their lives together. Adding to the joy, they greatly anticipated the birth of their first child. Maya Celina was born May 20, 2008. She will forever be a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, leaving behind to honor her precious memories, her husband Francisco; her daughter, Maya; her parents, John and Illia; her sisters, Kimberley and Camille; a host of extended family, including a family of in-laws that welcomed and loved her with warm open arms and a wealth of close friends. Wake 9 a.m. Services, 10 a.m. Thursday, May 29, 2008 at JUDKINS COLONIAL HOME, 428 W. 4th St., Plainfield, NJ 07061. We are celebrating her life.

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

Published by The Washington Post on May 28, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Kira Grimaldi

Not sure what to say?





Nikeya Allen

June 3, 2008

I stayed across the hall from Kira during our freshman year at Spelman and I am so saddened to have heard the news. My sincere prayers for peace are with the entire family.

Kindest Regards,

Kelly Miller-Nolen

June 3, 2008

I didn't know Kira personally, but know her face from seeing her on campus. My prayers and condolescences go out to the family. I am so sorry for your loss.

Francis Johnson, Spelman '96

June 3, 2008

I am deeply saddened to hear about Kira's death. Please know that God promises to never give us more than we can bear. I will keep all of you in my prayers. Kira's smile and cheerful spirit was a blessing to be around. Again, my prayers are with the family.

Nikki Williams Grantham

June 2, 2008

I am truly saddened to hear about your loss. I met Kira at Spelman College and got to know her well during our freshmen year. Her beautiful smile and pleasant personality will always be remembered. May God bless and keep you all.

Aliya Jones

June 2, 2008

I am so saddened to hear about Kira's passing. We haven't spoken since our high school graduation, except perhaps once or twice. In High School Kira was one of my best friends. I have so many photos of her, and a sweat-shirt that she made for me back in 1990 (I have never had any intentions of parting with it, so though I have moved countless times, I still have my sweatshirt). She had such the sense of humor and a zest for life. I can't believe this has happened, my deepest condolences to the family. Kira was truly a one and only, and she will be deeply missed. God's blessings and comfort be with you. Maya will be proud to know that her mother was a wonderful woman, that is quite the blessing alone. Francisco, I am certain that you have many things of Kira's to save for Maya, however, should you ever want my sweat-shirt, it is yours to have. It is a treasure that I would love to share.
Aliya Carmichael Jones and Husband and Family

ElDante Winston

June 2, 2008

Kira... it's hard to believe she's no longer with us. I can remember the times we spent in studio at Georgia Tech or hanging out at house parties having a good time. In every situation her warm personality and sharp wit made you feel comfortable. I will truly miss her as she was a great friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

Jennifer McZier

June 1, 2008

My prayers are to Kira Grimaldi's family and friends.

Though I did not know Kira that well I would see her often in the cafeteria at Spelman College when we were both classmates in 1992-1996. She always had a smile on her face despite whatever she may have been going through.

Her life will never be forgotten but appreciated by many.

Sincerely,

Jennifer R. McZier

Kristen Johnson

May 31, 2008

I was also so lucky to be one of the ones to know Kira very well. I remember having so much fun with her - eating ice cream at Friendly's, and leaning on each other through some hard times. I will forever miss her.

Jeffrey Boschulte

May 30, 2008

Kira was a wonderful person to know, and I was deeply, deeply saddened to learn of her passing. I met Kira at Georgia Tech and we became good friends. We were born six days apart and had a lot in common. I will never forget her signature smile and bubbly personality. Fransico, although we have never met, I am truly sorry for your loss and we will keep you and Maya in our prayers. I would like to express my deepest condolences to Kira's entire family.

Joseph Sladki

May 30, 2008

Cisco,

I can't tell you how sorry I was to hear the news. Please accept my personal condolences as well as those of everyone with whom you worked here at APUS.

Kristen Folsom

May 30, 2008

Yesterday, I went through my Spelman College scrapbook and found photos I had of Kira. In all of them, through her dimples and smile, I was reminded of her pleasant, peaceful, and kind-hearted disposition! I am truly sorry for your loss.

Sharon Myers-Hollingsworth

May 30, 2008

Only our maker knows our pain, our situations, all our experiences and the love we have for one another. I pray that he will give your family the comfort, solace and love that you need in this your time of sorrow

Rochelle Kane

May 30, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief.

Kyra Mitchell Wooden

May 29, 2008

My sincere condolences. I remember Kira being such a nice person. At Spelman we met b/c we share the same name, but spell it differently. It's been years, but I remember her having a great sense of humor and great smile. I pray that her daughter has her spirit and knows she has a true angel watching over her. May God bless and keep your family always.

Aimee Alix

May 29, 2008

Cisco - I am sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine what you're going through but know you have the support of many friends and family around you. We all care about you and are here! Please let me know if there's anything we can do.

Gwendolyn Grayson

May 29, 2008

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Ann Owen

May 28, 2008

Cisco, I watched the two of you fall in love, and I can't think of anything to say except I'm sorry and I am keeping you and Maya in my thoughts and prayers. Kira had a beautiful soul, and the world will be a little less bright with her gone.

Earl Jones

May 28, 2008

Folks, thou I can not share your pain, I do share your grief.
Kira was a wonderful young lady, and I am sure all who knew her will miss her.

Janice Saunders

May 28, 2008

I do not know Kira,but my heart was
saddened to learn of her passing. She
seem to have been such a beautiful person with a very pleasant smile. I
will pray for her family and my heart goes out to her baby. God is there
for you all just trust in him.

Kiisha Jennings

May 28, 2008

Alston Family~

My prayers are with you during this time. I grew up on Park Ave and recall Kira as we were both the same age and saw her some years ago near Howard's campus. May Maya be blessed to come from a heart of Kira's and grow up to know the angels will never leave her.

Blessings,

Kiisha Jennings

Meg Bower

May 28, 2008

Cisco,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Words just can't express the right feelings at a time like this. Please know I am thinking of you and Maya.
Meg Bower

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