Kirsten Leah Lemon

After a courageous battle with early-onset Alzheimer's and dementia, Kirsten passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side.
Born on October 3, 1963, Kirsten grew up in a large, loving, blended family in Wilmington's Pinecrest neighborhood. The youngest of six siblings, she cherished memories of playing with the neighbors, helping her brothers on their paper routes, and forming lifelong relationships with her best friend, and the father of her children.
Kirsten graduated from Delcastle Technical High School with a cosmetology diploma and embarked on a successful 40-year career as a hairstylist. She worked at JC Penney's, Town & Country, and Premier Hair Designs, where she was affectionately known as a "hairapist." Kirsten's clients received more than just a haircut; they found a compassionate friend and a listening ear. She often accompanied her elderly clients through their final journeys, providing comfort and care by styling their hair at home and even at the funeral home.
While a homebody at heart, Kirsten enjoyed traveling and later in life wished she had done more of it. She fondly remembered Paul Mitchell Trainings in New York City, where her and her colleagues worked hard but played harder in the Big Apple, a girls trip to Arizona, where she reveled in the vast beauty of the Grand Canyon, and taking her children to Disney World with her extended family.
Kirsten loved the beach, from Delaware to Aruba and everywhere in between. One summer after her children were grown, she rented a garage apartment in Rehobeth Beach and commuted to Newark for work. During that memorable summer, she made new friends, had an epic tan, and proudly won the award for most margaritas consumed in one season at Dos Locos, which came with a coveted margarita clock trophy.
Kirsten's quick wit and playful spirit were evident by her giving people sarcastic nicknames, the playing of pranks and an abundance of potty humor.
Kirsten was preceded in death by her father, Marvin Anderson; her mother, Ann Malgire; and her stepfather, Louis Malgire.
She is survived by the "love of her life" Norman, the rescue dog, who brought her immense joy; her children, Zachary Lemon and his wife, Alyson Ferguson; daughter Jillian Lemon; her beloved granddaughter, Sloane Lemon; and her grand-dog, Aurora. All of whom lovingly and diligently cared for Kirsten at home for several years. Kirsten is survived by her siblings: sister Debbie Hakkarainen (Jerry); brother Bruce Carlton (Tina); sister Heather Riley (James); brother Mark Anderson; and her brother and "Best Buddy", Enoch Anderson (Tina). She also leaves behind nine nieces and nephews, many great-nieces and nephews, and her compassionate caregiver, Sam Jenkins.
Kirsten often used the catchphrase "Living the Dream!" Her family finds comfort in the belief that she is now at peace, living her dream alongside the Lord and her parents.
Family and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 from 11AM-12PM at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Rd., Wilmington, DE 19808. A memorial service will begin at 12PM.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Brandywine Valley SPCA in honor of Kirsten's love for Norman and Aurora. Please visit https://bvspca.org/ or mail directly to 290 Churchmans Rd, New Castle, DE 19720.
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