KIMBERLY JEAN COX

December 18, 1974 - November 7, 2014

Kimberly was born on December 18, 1974, in Sacramento, California to her devoted parents Lorgene and Danny Cox. While at Hospice at the Chaplaincy in Kennewick, Washington, Kimberly died peacefully in her loving mother's arms, with her sister, Kristin at her side.

Kimberly fought a long, fierce battle for 4-1/2 years trying to overcome breast cancer and the many horrific obstacles that were placed in her pathway; winning one battle after another. Throughout Kimberly's illness she inspired many other breast cancer victims to keep fighting, to keep hoping and to stay positive. She joined several online sites where she was able to inspire other women who were going through similar struggles with surgeries and treatment plans, fighting to survive with dignity and pride. Kimberly became a beacon of strength to many battle-scarred warriors, and was looked upon as a courageous "Pink Warrior, fighting like a girl"! Her optimism was contagious and her smile never wavered. Even after her Chemo and Radiation treatments she had a glow that earned her a place in the hearts of everyone she came in contact with.

Kimberly was in the GATE Program throughout her elementary and middle school years, testing in the top percentile in the nation each year. Kimberly's early years were full of tee-ball & soccer games, Girl Scouts, Job's Daughters, and dance lessons where she excelled. She was a tiny dynamo, full of happiness when she was at the beach or sitting under the California Redwood trees. She was a creative artist and interior decorator, who could transform a room into a sparkling treasure. She and her daughters, Aliyah (13) and Jazmynn (9) loved creating beautiful designs and making jewelry and ornaments together. They shared a passion for artwork, enjoyed tea parties, Harry Potter nights, singing Karaoke songs, and sharing cozy times together. Kimberly loved watching favorite classic movies with her mom and sister, Kristin. Kim was a free spirit who enjoyed dressing up to attend Renaissance Faires with her mom.

Kimberly's son, Gabriel (22) blessed her with a granddaughter, Brooklynn Skye, on January 24, 2014, and to Kimberly's delight and good fortune she was well enough to enjoy the trip to California to be present for Brooklynn's birth.

Kimberly hopes that her family and friends keep an open mind and an open heart, and be looking for signs from her that she is still with us, just in a different way. Towards the end of her journey, Kimberly made peace with her cancer and wrote these words of comfort and encouragement to her children, her family and friends: "I'm not afraid, I'm okay. Please don't let dreams pass you by. Never lose the magic. Be careful. Take care of each other. Be there for each other. Protect each other and remember I love you past Heaven".

Kimberly is survived by her beloved son, Gabriel Candelaria; her cherished daughters Aliyah and Jazmynn Picarella; her precious granddaughter Brooklynn Candelaria; her loving mother Lorgene Christy; her sister Kristin (Shane) Loper; her brother Logan Cox; her step-sisters Theresa Huchinson and Jamie Whitelaw, and their families; her uncle Ron (Claire) Cox and their family; her aunt Charlene and uncle Bob Cole and their family; her aunt Patti and uncle Del Bruggeman and their family; her aunt Toni "Tonka" (Jeff) Harrison and their family; her aunt Patti Shira and her family; and her nephews Robert and Ashton Loper. Kimberly is also survived by many beloved cousins, including Art and Michael Cole, Jason Christy, Katrina Brown, Brian Bruggeman, Jane and Sara Harrison, and Michael and Dezirae Oslin.

Kimberly was preceded in death by her loving father Danny Cox, her infant son Aiden Peterson, her grandparents Leon and Laura Christy, Gene and Beverly Cox, and Lou and Gussie Constant; uncles Art Christy and Jack Lamb, and her dear cousin Lana Cole Oslin.

We'd like to express our special thanks to Chaplain Rainy Larson, the doctors and nurses, and the wonderful volunteers at the Tri City Cancer Center and Hospice at the Chaplaincy for your loving, compassionate care for Kimberly Jean, our precious jewel, during her fight with breast cancer.

A Celebration of Kimberly's Life will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2015, at 1:00 p.m., at the home of her aunt Patti and uncle Del Bruggeman, 1220 Brentwood Avenue, Richland, WA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Kimberly's son, Gabriel Candelaria C/O Patti Bruggeman 1220 Brentwood Ave, Richland WA 99352.