Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Kerry Pillmore Fiske

About

University of Arizona

Kerry Fiske Obituary

Name: Service for Kerry Pillmore Fiske
Start: 2016-04-30T17:00:00.000Z
Location: North Scottsdale United Methodist Church

Fiske, Kerry Pillmore
age 58, of Scottsdale, AZ, died unexpectedly on Sunday, April 17, 2016 in a car accident. Kerry was predeceased by her parents, George and Mary Pillmore. She is survived by her loving husband, Steve Fiske, and her daughters, Heather Roberts and Chelsea Swanson. Kerry grew up with 2 brothers in Phoenix, and she graduated from Scripps College in Claremont, CA. After working as a graphic artist for over 20 years, Kerry went back to school and earned her Master's Degree in Library Science from the University of Arizona in 2006. Kerry loved being a librarian at Mustang Library, and she had a passion for singing, pottery, and hugs. Her beautiful voice resounded in the church choir, and in her band, Electric Librarian. Kerry was a beloved wife, mother, sister and friend. Her warm and joyous spirit made a lasting imprint on countless lives. Please join the family for a 10am service on Saturday, April 30th at North Scottsdale United Methodist Church, 11735 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Reception to follow at same location.

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

Published by The Arizona Republic on Apr. 24, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Kerry Fiske

21 Entries

Larissa Pickens

August 28, 2022

When I was graduating from Scripps, I reached out to Kerry through Alumnae Connections to learn more about going into a career in graphic design. She wrote back a long letter and spoke to me on the phone about her experiences which largely encouraged me to pursue a career in design. I came across her letter today and was hoping to tell her what an influence she made in my life. Very sorry to hear of her passing.

Barbara Hatch

April 18, 2020

Though I didn't know Kerry well, I knew her father George Pillmore for many years, ever since he spoke to my students at Judson School, Sonoran Prep, and Cactus Shadows High School. He was always gracious with his time and story, and I was beyond thrilled that he was able to attend the D-Day anniversary and meet Tom Hanks and Stephen Spielberg. To the family, embrace the wonderful memories you have of a beautiful, gracious family.

Les Sakamoto

February 25, 2017

My sincere condolences to the Fiske Family.
RIP Kerry...

Take care, Steve.

Barbara Hatch

May 20, 2016

I could not believe when I saw this notice in the paper since I met Kerry at her dad's funeral just a few weeks before. To her brothers, I am devastated by another loss in so short a time. I am saddened for her family, her friends, and all those she touched with her bright personality. I must admit I am still in shock. --Veterans Heritage Project

Brienne Hicks

May 10, 2016

Kerry was the beautiful smiling face my family and I always saw when we went to the library. I only knew her there, but we developed a very nice friendship. She was a very real person and it was a blessing. You don't find too many people nowadays like her. My family and I are saddened to hear that she is gone and will keep the family in prayers.

Doris Schaefer

May 4, 2016

To a very unique and kind colleague-
you will be very missed!

Neil Woodward

May 1, 2016

Requiescat in pace, dear Kerry. I am so glad to have had the honor of meeting you, and working with you at Mustang Library. You were a star in our crown.

Mary Ann Gayle

April 30, 2016

We didn't know Kerry or her family personally, but enjoyed so very much seeing her smiling face when she was singing; and the jazzier the song the more fun she was to watch. May God bless you and hold you in the palms of his hands. Sincerely, Mary Ann and Dick Gayle, NSUMC Members

Heather Goebel

April 30, 2016

So very sorry to read of Kerry's passing. Truly a lovely woman.

April 30, 2016

Love you Kerry !

Ali McMeans (Vieth)

April 30, 2016

I am so sorry I am unable to attend the service today. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and our church family during this most difficult time. Your mom touched so many people through her beautiful music and caring heart. She is very missed!

Carla

April 27, 2016

Please accept my condolences on your loss. May your memories comfort your heart; and God help your family during this time of sorrow. Isa.41:13

Ron Lloyd

April 26, 2016

Having lived in a world with Kerry, it's very hard to imagine a world without her. It is much less interesting - she was that kind of person.
In college, Kerry once sang Elvis Presley songs at a talent show - all the nerds at Harvey Mudd College swooned.
She is dearly missed.

Russ Paulus

April 26, 2016

I'd love to be able to stand up and speak at Kerry's Memorial Service, but I know I won't be able to compose myself enough, so I figured it best if I try to put down in words what I'm feeling and thinking.

I'm Russ, and I went to Harvey Mudd with Steve back in the late 70's. I'm an engineer. These types of occurrences are very difficult for engineers. We have to be able to explain and rationalize and explain how things happen; it's part of our nature. And not only how things happen, but why they happen. An unexpected death really challenges that ability. It's easier if the person is old or is very sick; it can be rationalized that they lived a full life and accomplished what they wanted or that they are no longer suffering. With a death like Kerry's, there's really no way to rationalize her passing. So, what's an engineer to do? I chose to change the ground rules. I'm not able to understand or explain why Kerry died when she did, so I changed the problem statement to "why did Kerry live?". I think that's a much easier question and I find the answer very simple - she lived to bring happiness and joy to other people.

Like I said, I went to college with Steve. We had a small group of friends at Harvey Mudd that hung around together. Mark was in the group and he knew Kerry from high school. Soon we had our group of friends co-mingled with her group of friends from Scripps. We would go to the various school functions together - dances, parties, enjoy dinner and drinks together - it was lots of fun; times were good. I recall many times hanging out in one of the halls at Scripps just laying on a couch listening to Eileen play the piano and Kerry sing; it was beautiful. Obviously Kerry continued her love of singing throughout her life into the choir and Electric Librarian band, which unfortunately I never had the pleasure of hearing.

I also remember Kerry taking an art class and I happened to be taking a weekend trip up to Vegas. She asked if I could take some black and white photos of the big cowboy at the Pioneer casino. She then proceeded to develop the photo and hand-colorize the big cowboy. I actually have that matted and framed art class project, one of one, signed by Kerry A Pillmore. It's been hanging on the wall in our home for years, but I've looked at it a little differently over the past couple weeks. We'll always have a reminder of Kerry in our home, and our hearts.

I was around when Steve and Kerry started dating, and I watched their love blossom through school, and from what I've observed it only grew stronger as the years passed. I remember visiting with Steve and Kerry at their house when our kids were little. Kerry always had a peace and serenity about her that was quite infectious. You just felt calm and at ease around Kerry. More recently, Kerry and Steve, and Mark and Susan, and Mary and I would often get together for dinner and drinks. It was always fun to catch up on what was happening with our kids and what projects we had going and what our plans for the future were. We all took a trip together about 5 years ago up to Monterey and stayed with Ron and Christy - more catching up, and quite a bit of reverting back to and reminiscing about our college days.

They say that you can measure a person's life by the impact they made on others. I've seen lots of postings on Mary's facebook account (I don't have one) and it sure looks like she made a positive impact and she will most assuredly be missed. She can be very proud of the mark she left during her short stay here on earth -- she met and fell in love with a wonderful man, and I know he's a better man for having Kerry in his life; she brought 2 wonderful daughters into the world -- they are beautiful, smart, successful, and very nice; and she was just an all around good person, some you wanted as your friend, and I'm proud to say that we were her friends.

So, at this point I can say "Well done, Kerry, well done". We will miss you, but we will not forget you.

Carolyn Allen

April 26, 2016

Kerry was always considerate, helpful and interested. She will always be remembered by
me and my family for her grace, compassion
and understanding of the human condition.
We will miss her cheerful smile and gentle touch.
May she rest in peace. Sincerest condolences to
all her loved ones.

Kimberly Ovitt

April 25, 2016

The world has lost a voice that could inspire when lifted in hymn, entertain when belted from the stage, be contagious when expressed in that one-of-a-kind laugh, and comfort when shared with a friend in need. Kerry was the epitome of a 'true friend.' She never stood in judgment, and time and distance never diluted her friendship. She loved generously, and was loved deeply. I will miss you, Red.

Anne Baird

April 25, 2016

Oh, Kerry,
The world is a better place for having you in it. You reached out to so many people with your loving and caring spirit. I will never forget you and you will live on in my heart
and soul.
love always,

April 24, 2016

I also knew Kerry from Kachina and Arcadia. So sad to hear of her passing. I have many fond memories of growing up with Kerry. My prayers are for her family now in this difficult time. Sincerely, Karen

Ruth Furfaro

April 24, 2016

Dear Heather and Family: I am so shocked and so saddened by the death of your beautiful mother/wife......I had never met her but know from Heather that she was a wonderful, warm, loving, one of a kind Mom. My love and prayers are with all of you at this most painful time.

Sylvia M Azores

April 24, 2016

Kerry was a beautiful person both inside and out. I enjoyed being with her when I was able to go to Arizona. I will miss her so very, very much. Ever since I met the Pillmore and Fiske families I fell in love with all of them. I always felt welcomed around them. I pray that the good Lord comfort and sooth the family and friends that will also miss Kerry, I will always keep them all in my prayers!

Nancy

April 24, 2016

I am saddened to hear of Kerry's passing. We were classmates at Kachina Elementary school and Arcadia High School. Kerry was an intellectual inspiration to me. I'm very sorry for your loss.

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results