Kimberly Anne Tuzzolino

Kimberly Anne Tuzzolino, age 70, passed away Sunday April 27th at her home in Ada, Michigan surrounded by her children and loving husband of 48 years.
Kim, as she was affectionately known, was born in Milford Ohio on September 9th, 1954, to the late Betty and Harold Bates. She was baptized at the Milford Methodist Church where she attended Sunday School and sang in the choir. She was on the McAlpin's fashion board throughout high school, advising the department store on what clothing to stock for young shoppers, and won several blue ribbons in swimming competitions at the Miami Hills Swim Club in Milford.
After high school, while working as an optician, Kim met a young man who was being fitted for contact lenses - it was "love at first sight." They went out for crepes, and Kim learned he was a proud, single father of a 7-year-old boy. After three short months of dating, the couple married, and the new family moved to Michigan. Kim embraced her roles as devoted wife and loving mother wholeheartedly. In fact, she loved being a mother so much that she went on to have 4 more children!
From then on, Kim poured herself into raising her family and creating a warm, loving home full of art, color, and joy. Her dedication to caring for others led her to start a thriving home childcare business, which she ran for over 15 years, caring for dozens of children with the same tenderness she gave her own.
In 2006, Kim was diagnosed with gastroesophageal cancer. She faced surgery and years of aggressive chemo and radiation therapy with courage and grit. Her survival was a testament to her tenacity and strength, and her desire to welcome her first granddaughter into the world.
Kim spent the next ten years working at the Helen Devos Children's Hospital Gift Shop. She loved building seasonal displays and chatting with healthcare providers, but she especially loved getting to know the young patients who came to shop and visit her.
When she wasn't working, Kim could be found sunbathing at Oval Beach, tending to her garden, cooking an amazing meal, enjoying a margarita at "The Can" or a basket of root chips on Rose's patio. She loved her doggies, flowers, music, and the sun on her face. Most of all, she loved her family and friends.
Kim fought bravely against Liposarcoma for three years. She underwent multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. Her family worked tirelessly to find the best treatment options around the country, and Kim faced each step with unwavering courage. Sadly, complications from all she endured led to her passing.
Her absence leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of her family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by her. We invite you to remember her not by how her life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Kim is survived by her beloved husband, Stephen Tuzzolino; her children, Tony Tuzzolino (Ashley), Ali Termaat (Nate), Amy Rohn (Luke), Anna Schreiber (Michael) and Alex Tuzzolino (Hanna) and her 14 grandchildren Nik, Alex, Cami, Ella, Stephen, Jack, Andy, Ava, Benny, Cameron, Lena, Olivia, Brooklyn and baby boy Tuzzolino expected in October of this year. As well as her brother; Stephen Bates (Pamela); nieces, Stephanie & Tracy; great nieces Hannah & Ashley; great nephew Gunnar of Milford, Ohio; her sister-in-law, Patty (Tuzzolino) Santoro and Nephew, Devin Santoro of Boise, Idaho.
The family wishes to thank everyone who supported Kim throughout her diagnosis and treatment. The encouragement, prayers, texts, cards, meals, gifts and love she received have meant more to us than words can capture.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 9th, at the Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A memorial service will begin at 1:00 pm, followed by an open house reception from 2:00-5:00 pm, where the family will receive guests. In honor of Kim's vibrant spirit, please wear joyful colors.
Throughout her life, Kim cared for and comforted countless children, including many facing childhood cancers and other life-threatening illnesses. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Wish List.
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