Kimberly Knapp Tesoro

Kimberly Knapp Tesoro, affectionately known as Kim, left this world on July 19, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and love. She was born on July 23, 1965, at Fort Bragg, NC. Kim departed Hillsborough, NC, at the age of 57 with a heart full of memories and a spirit that will forever soar.
Throughout her life, Kim wore many hats, but her most cherished role was being a mother. But she is also remembered as a grandmother, sister, CEO, friend, teacher, daughter, and businesswoman. Kim was passionate about sharing her knowledge with her children; Buck, Gabi, Grant, and Bella. She continued to share her love for teaching with her grandson, Penn. Kim had a knack for seizing educational opportunities.
Outside of raising her kids, Kim felt strongly about community involvement and advocacy. This grew into a full time job as the CEO of the Hillsborough/ Orange County Chamber of Commerce. She spent the coming years being a voice for the community, serving on multiple town boards, volunteering, and organizing charity events. We recognize all of Kim's accomplishments, and would like to pay special tribute to:
2014 Business Woman of the Year
Cofounder of the Central Carolina Woman in Business
Revitalization or the Historic Candlelight Tour
Community business owner
When not busy conquering the business world or raising her kids, Kim indulged in her personal passions. She enjoyed scrapbooking, karaoke, traveling the world, gardening, and reading. Kim was an avid New Orleans Saints fan (WHO DAT!), lover of all things Disney, and cherished her fathers nickname for her, "Pooh Bear".
Kim had an open heart and outgoing spirit. Her selflessness and kindness will forever be remembered. She possessed a giving nature that made others feel cherished and loved.
Kimberly Ann Knapp Tesoro is survived by her beloved children Richard James "Buck" (Kristyn Wypych) Tramel with Dennis Scott Tramel, and Gabrielle Ann Tesoro, Grant Theodore Tesoro, Isabella Grace Tesoro, with Vincent Tesoro II, her grandson Penn Thomas Tramel, her mother Diana Barclay Knapp, her siblings Carla Elaine (Gary) Campbell, Richard Spelman (Angela D.) Knapp Jr., Jennifer Michelle (Ernest Jr.) Tyska, Holly Knapp (Robert) Hogarth, and Peter Allen Knapp. Kim is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and her cat Chubby.
As we bid farewell to Kim, let us carry her spirit of fun, and love in our hearts. We leave you with a quote that guided her through life:
"Make no little plans, they have no magic to stir men's blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans, aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will never die, but long after we are gone will be a living thing, asserting itself with ever growing insistency. Remember that our sons and grandsons are going to do things that will stagger us. Let your watchword be order and your beacon beauty". -Daniel H. Burnham, Chicago Architect
In lieu of flowers, we ask donations be sent to 'Live Strong' (www.livestrong.org). Kim recently chose this charity based on their dedication to research as well as providing the most normal life possible to cancer patients and their families. newest passions. The family would also suggest donations be made to the UNC Hospice (uncmedicalcenter.org/uncmc/care-treatment/hospice/make-a-gift/ ) who's team, especially Patrick, Cynthia, and Tonya, who cared Kim and her family during this time.
A private burial will take place Monday, July 24th, at 11:00am. The public is invited to join the family on Monday, July 24th, from 4:00-6:00 pm at the Colonial Inn for the reception.
The Colonial Inn: 153 W King St, Hillsborough, NC 27278
The family encourages you to dress in pinks and purples in remembrance of Kim. "