Search by Name

Carol Richardson Kimmelman

1963 - 2017

Carol Richardson Kimmelman obituary, 1963-2017, Riverside, CA

BORN

1963

DIED

2017

Carol Kimmelman Obituary

CAROL RICHARDSON KIMMELMAN August 11, 1963 - January 6, 2017 Carol Richardson Kimmelman, known by her family and West Coast friends as Lulu, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on January 6, 2016 after a courageous seven year bout with ovarian cancer. Lulu was a native of Riverside, California, a graduate of the University of Southern California and a resident of Bernardsville, New Jersey and Rancho Santa Fe, California. Following her graduation from USC in 1984, Lulu worked as an elementary school teacher at The Raymond Avenue School in South Central Los Angeles. The love that 'Miss Richardson' had for her students and for teaching never diminished; not a day went by without her sharing stories from her special teaching moments. Her desire to improve the lives of others knew no bounds as she graciously mentored many friends, created numerous academic scholarships and volunteered her time generously to help anyone with a challenge or a need. Lulu was a gifted athlete and excelled in many sports, but tennis was her true passion. Her fierce competitive drive made her a force on the court. She was a member of USC's national championship team in 1983, and she continued playing throughout her life. Lulu played competitively for 20 years with her tight knit New Jersey club team, the Morristown Field Club, and more recently in La Jolla, California. She also was an accomplished platform tennis player and won the NJ State Mixed Platform Tennis Championship in 2009. She has been a board member of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Foundation since 2008, and in November, she received the Foundation's inaugural Service Award for her generous contributions to the tennis world. Her passion for health and fitness evolved into the world of intense spinning and hot yoga as she often took unsuspecting friends and family to classes. While undergoing treatment, Lulu founded her own spin cycle studio called POE (Peace on Earth). Lulu overcame tremendous odds following her 2009 cancer diagnosis. Her tenacity, perseverance and courage enabled her to continue living life to the fullest. In sickness and in health Lulu found adventure, beauty and joy in each day that she lived. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister and daughter. Her children meant everything to her and she was proud beyond words of their strength and achievements. She was a beloved aunt who had a special relationship with each of her nine nieces and nephews. She was also a loyal friend to so many who loved her unique and direct way of telling it like it is. She had a beautiful smile, underscoring the incredible happiness that defined her life. Her loved ones will proudly reflect on Lulu's gracious heart and pure beauty, inside and out. Lulu lived a big life in a short time; she was creative, daring, and bold. She took the lemons she was dealt without complaint. Her spirit lives on and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her will never forget how truly exceptional she was. Lulu is survived by her loving husband Doug and their four children: Annie, Robert, Tommy and Scottie. She leaves her mother Rosemarie Richardson and sisters Julie (husband Ryan) and Gayle; brother Laurence (wife Trish) and sister-in-law Joan (husband Ed). She also leaves nephews Cameron, Mack, Teddy and Wyatt; nieces Ellie, Lauren, Alison, Julia and Paige and mother-in-law Margaret Kimmelman. Her father, Dr. Raymond Gregg Richardson, predeceased her. Lulu's family, in conjunction with the USTA Foundation, is embarking on the development of a community tennis center in inner city Los Angeles in her honor. It is their collective goal to create a premier center that will provide facilities and programs to make her favorite sport more accessible to kids in need. It was her dream to bring tennis to children like those she taught at the Raymond Avenue School. The Carol Richardson Kimmelman Tennis Center will bring this dream to fruition. Donations can be made to the USTA Foundation Incorporated, noting The Carol Kimmelman Fund. Checks can be sent to The USTA Foundation, 70 West Red Oak Lane, White Plains, NY 10604 or made online at www.USTA Foundation.com An open house will be held in Bernardsville, New Jersey at the Kimmelman home on January 29 from 9am-1pm. In addition a reception will be held in the Los Angeles area on February 25 at the Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach from 6-9 pm.

Published by The Press-Enterprise from Jan. 12 to Jan. 14, 2017.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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

Memories and Condolences
for Carol Kimmelman

Sponsored by anonymous.

Not sure what to say?





six yearsalready -seems not solong ago

Larry Yagoda

Friend

January 6, 2024

I think of her every time I think about college... We were Theta sisters and roommates, so I have a lot of memories. It is so hard to believe that her vivacious spirit is gone. I pray for her family at those times and want them to know she is NOT forgotten.

Adrienne Langlois

Friend

January 6, 2021

Our condolences to the family. May God fulfill his promise of binding up the brokenhearted. Isa 61:1

January 7, 2018

Our condolences to the family. May God fulfill his promise of binding up the brokenhearted. Isa 61:1

January 7, 2018

N A

November 3, 2017

I am so saddened to have just learned of Lulu's passing. What a loss to the world. Lulu was a sorority sister of mine at USC...She always had a twinkle in her eye and was just pure fun, full of sunshine and laughter. After college we spent time together as we lived in the same area. I feel blessed to have known her. I will always remember Lulu with such fondness and a smile in my heart. My deepest condolences to LuLu's family. In sympathy, Cameron Brunner Harros

Cameron Harros

April 19, 2017

Although I spent a lot of time with "Lulu" and my daughter's tennis team in the early 80's I confess to liking all of the girls but loving Lulu. So many, many good memories of this darling lady who was taken too soon.

Ruth Harriss

March 21, 2017

I was a high school classmate of Lulu at Poly. I am so saddened at this news of her passing. My prayers go out to her family and many close friends. God Bless!

Jill (Simington) Gregory

February 27, 2017

Though I knew her as Carol - and only briefly really - she was so welcoming, so gracious, so engaged with life - Carol had an impact on me. Her heart was always open welcoming new friends to share in her lightness. I am so very sorry for her family's loss. A star shining brightly now in Heaven.

Patty Muchmore

January 26, 2017

Sweet, generous, fiery Carol. You blessed both me and my children with your unsurpassed energy. You showed them the true definition of generosity. Thank you for every smile, every blast of energy, every moment we shared with you.
We were blessed. I know that the Angels are blessing you.

Susan Putman

January 25, 2017

John Smith

January 23, 2017

I was truly saddened after hearing of the passing of one of my most beloved and cherished childhood friends. Lulu was at the center of many of my most treasured childhood memories. Although our adult lives took us on different paths, on the occasions we reconnected she always made me feel as if time stood still and reminded me of the grounded nature of her love. It is my prayer she is now with her "golden" Angel. I will love you forever!

Amy Wedding McLeod

January 22, 2017

Beautiful, witty, athletic, generous, unafraid Lulu. Your memory will never fade as you were the brightest light in so many lives. A million thank yous for so many wonderful high school and college memories. I am blessed to have had a little 'Lulu" in my life!

Jennifer Muller Pierik

January 20, 2017

My Carol, my friend. The time we were so lucky to have together will comfort me. I think of all the laughs we shared...don't worry, I'll keep most of them to myself. We invented so many massage techniques together. Thank you for all you shared. Welcoming me in your home, dragging me by the ear to try Barre method, hot yoga, your private spin class and the studio classes. Let's go...WALKIES with Berrrrnnn and later with my Samme, the opportunity to prepare food for you, times in Miami where I felt so special. Promise to think of you and only smile...until we meet again xoxo

Sandy Queiroz

January 19, 2017

Lulu was a beautiful soul on this earth, and now she is our angel in heaven. So lucky to have had her gift of friendship while at USC. Her smile and laughter was contagious and could light up a room. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends. May she rest in peace. Kathy Donahue Baaden - Theta Sister - USC class of 1985.

Kathy Donahue Baaden

January 17, 2017

Lulu was a beautiful soul on this earth, and now she is our angel in heaven. So lucky to have had her gift of friendship while at USC. Her smile and laughter was contagious and could light up a room. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends. May she rest in peace. Kathy Donahue Baaden - Theta Sister - USC class of 1985.

Kathy Donahue Baaden

January 17, 2017

It is with great sadness, but with great pride I write to share my thoughts of Lulu. I am so glad I was able to know this courageous, loving, generous spirit. Lulu was truly beautiful inside and out. I grieve for the amazing family and friends she leaves behind, but know she lived life to the fullest while she was here and she will always be in our hearts. Love you Lulu. Cathylee.

Cathylee Isom

January 15, 2017

Julie, Ryan and Family - Steve and I are so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Lulu. Our hearts and thoughts are with you and the family at this difficult time. We know she knew how loved she was by all of you. You were so fortunate that you were able to devote so much support, love and time with her as she moved through this illness with dignity.

Tobi Schneider

January 14, 2017

I am very sorry for your lost.
Through my daughter-in-law Julie and my son Ryan ,I learned how incredibly strong and wonderful she was.
Lulu was a role model for all woman battling with cancer.
Sending my prayers and love,
Ginette

January 13, 2017

I am so sorry to read of the recent loss. May the a God of all comfort be with the family at this time.

Amber Lee

January 13, 2017

Lulu was one of the first friends I met when I arrived at USC. She was such a good friend, so warm and funny, always smiling. Lulu brought so many people together. It was such a privilege to have known her. My heart goes out to her entire family. Joyce Rauschkolb Richards

January 12, 2017

I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with you on and off the court, in particular our tough competitive challenges and matches were incredible I loved and shared your spirit. You were both beautiful inside and out. I am deeply saddened

Carolyn Cutler

January 12, 2017

I went to grade school through high school with Lulu. I am so glad she made such a difference in her students' lives. I am impressed with her life-long do-good nature. Thanks for fighting the good fight, LuLu. You made a difference and will be missed.

Barbara Murphy Walls

January 12, 2017

To Carol's family and friends,
May God put her in a special place where she will be watching all the people who loved and cherished her!

John MacDonald

January 12, 2017

I was fortunate enough to meet Lulu at USC/Theta. There was nobody like Lulu. She had an infectious personality and was always smiling. Lulu made all of us laugh! Years after graduating I had the opportunity to have dinner with Lulu and other Theta sisters in San Diego and she had not changed....fun, personable and caring. Rest in peace beautiful girl, Dana Macfarlane

January 12, 2017

So sorry to hear about this for both Doug's family and Carols. A young, vital couple with so many good years ahead. Wishing you the best in these extremely trying times

Larry Yagoda

January 12, 2017

Carol was so kind and generous to my son, Evan. What more could a mother ask for.

January 12, 2017

I used to giggle at the thought of Lulu commanding her classroom with jokes and laughter... with each one of her students falling in love with her. We were sorority sisters and roommates at USC. Never a dull moment with Lulu. So devastated for her husband and children. My heart breaks for you. In Loving Memory, Adrienne Langlois & Family

January 11, 2017

Lulu was an amazing person and gifted with friendship for all. We were sorority sisters at USC, and then met up with her again in San Diego and NY. She had the greatest, heartiest laugh. When I think of her, I will recall her soulful laugh. My prayers are with her family. I hope to make it to the service in Los Angeles.

Carol McBride-Merriman

January 11, 2017

Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results

Memorial Events
for Carol Kimmelman

Jan

29

Memorial Gathering

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Kimmelman home

Bernardsville, NJ

Feb

25

Memorial Gathering

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Portofino Hotel

Redondo Beach, CA

How to support Carol's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Carol Kimmelman's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more