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Kimberly Marks Wolfe

1965 - 2013

BORN

1965

DIED

2013

Kimberly Wolfe Obituary

Kimberly Marks Wolfe
April 12,1965-Jan. 4, 2013
Resident of Aptos
It is with great sadness that the family of Kimberly Marks Wolfe announces the passing of their dear Kimmy. She died in her Aptos home at 8:00 am, January 4, 2013 after a gallant seven-year battle with breast cancer in the arms of her beloved husband, with her sister Tasha and father at her side. In spirit, her large and extended family watched over her.
Kim was born in Eugene Oregon on April 12, 1965, Kimberly Davis, the daughter of William Jackson Davis and Kathryn Howe Britton. Her family later moved to the Vienna Woods neighborhood of Aptos when she was six years old. It was in that neighborhood that Kim met an amazing group of girlfriends, Lisa Nielsen, Beth (Anderson) Moorehead, Amy (Anderson) Magee and Cyd Furlanic. She attended local schools including Mar Vista Elementary and graduated from Aptos High in 1983. In 1988, she graduated from UC Santa Cruz, with a degree in biology
Kim's drive and discipline took her far in life. In her teens she became an avid cyclist. The Saturday morning ride was her favorite way to train. It was not unusual to see Kim racing through Aptos, pony tail flying, in the front of the pack, as the group made their way to Watsonville. Kim cherished these memories. Her talent was later to take her to 14th in the Olympic trials and an invitation to join the prestigious Women's Olympic Developmental Team giving her an amazing year-and-a-half of racing in Europe and in the U.S.
As Kim's cycling career climaxed she made the important decision to attend Hastings Law School in San Francisco. Graduating with honors in 1995 she soon was admitted to practice before the United States Patent Trademark Office in patent cases. She continued to work until her passing, focusing on patent and trademark litigation, business transactions and estate planning.
Kim and her husband Ben met on Main Beach during one of Phil Kaplan's volleyball classes. Their passion for volleyball led them to three "No Attitude's" tournament championships and the introduction of the sport to their daughter Taryn, who now garners the competitive spirit. Even after her playing days were over, Kim's active mind and lifestyle kept her busy with many philanthropic endeavors. She was a volunteer for the Amgen Tour of California's first visit to Santa Cruz, a dedicated member of the Mar Vista Parents and a vocal supporter of Soquel Girls Volleyball and Main Beach Volleyball Club. More than anything, she loved attending her daughter's volleyball and softball games. She was always so proud of their academic and athletic achievements.
Sharon Anderson, thank you for the Wednesday night meals and laughs. Lisa, Amy and Beth, along with Kim's sister Natasha (Davis) Joyet, provided immeasurable support and made many hard days more bearable with plenty of laughter and jokes. Dr. Andrea Edwards, her staff and the Dominican OOU nurses are truly amazing and compassionate people. Thank you to all of the 'others' out there who provided such amazing and continued support through our battle.
Her sense of humor was always present, even until the very end. She loved her pets and joked with her family that she knew how to, "pick fruit and animals". She had a gift for understanding the nature of the heart, and was a natural mediator. Her favorite colors were the greens, yellows, and oranges of autumn. She loved spending time in Montana with Ben, Taryn and Tessa. Kim made a gallant effort to live with her breast cancer and at all times desired to be graceful, good- natured, accepting and spiritually connected. She believed in love and believed that no matter how bad it gets, 'attitude' is a choice. Kim was not afraid of dying.
Kim is survived by her loving husband and partner of eight years, Benjamin Wolfe and her girls, Taryn Marks 15, and Tessa Marks 11. Also by her mother, Kathryn Britton, her father, William Jackson Davis, her step-mom, Kimberly Carter Gamble and her siblings, Bart Davis, Natasha Joyet, Benjamin Davis, Justin Davis, Rebecca Davis and step-brother Kyle Thiermann. Kimmy leaves behind her greatest love, her family. She wished for her epitaph to say, "Kimberly Marks Wolfe, beloved wife of Ben Wolfe, Beloved Mother of Taryn and Tessa," "because that's who I am."
Kim was laid to rest in a private gathering at Santa Cruz Memorial Park. Plans are underway for a Celebration of Kim's life in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Dr., Scotts Valley, CA 95066.
An educational fund has been established for the benefit of Taryn Tessa Marks at Edward Jones, 819 Bay Avenue, Suite B, Capitola, CA 95010.

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

Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Jan. 22, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Kimberly Wolfe

26 Entries

Michael Pinneo

March 7, 2021

I'm stunned to only now hear of Kim's passing. I was a dear friend of her mom, knew Kim as a child and later as an extraordinary young woman. The world is a little dimmer for her absence. God Speed.

John Scanlon

January 16, 2020

She was my neighbor down the road. Loved to sit next to her in the bus going to Aptos high school. Always a beautiful thing.

Susan B. Viemeister

December 18, 2013

Dear Kim, Thinking about you and your family as we get close to the holidays. I hope your girls are doing well, and Ben, too. This will be a bittersweet season for them I am sure, as it is for others who knew you and were blessed to have you in their life.
I am always grateful you walked through that door in my Albany rental, looking for a house share while you were going through law school in San Francisco. That was the start of a friendship that carried through those school times, into the pink house on Browning Street in Berkeley and beyond. Despite the rigours of law school studies you had time to laugh over big salads in the kitchen with all of us roommates, and found time to do those crazy Berkeley hills bike rides ( I heard about them anyway!).
As others have noted, we loved your big heart. And I felt the generosity of that when you introduced me to your Santa Cruz friends and we had great times in Tahoe before your wedding (dancing on tabletops, yes.) And you gathered them again when I came to visit years later from the East Coast.
Missing you, as many are, thinking about you, wishing the best for your family (which includes those friends you have had since forever) through these holidays.

Jay Webster

April 26, 2013

I met Kim in my senior year at UCSC having taken her father's neuroscience class together. We became fast friends. She inspired me to become a competitive cyclist. We spent countless hours on the road, driving to races, cramming as many as we could into one car to stretch our meager earnings into better fuel efficiency. She was an amazing person, and I always hoped that one day we'd reconnect.

I normally don't pay much attention to the UCSC alumni magazine, but for some reason tonight I read through the student updates to find the notice of Kim's passing. I am truly devastated, flooded with the memories we shared in the final year of our undergraduate stay and the years that followed, most of them spent chatting as we road out toward Watsonville amongst 80 of our best friends. I'll forever regret not having reconnected with Kim, she was an amazing and very special person.

Kathleen Cruz

April 13, 2013

I grew up across the street from Kim and her brothers and sister. We played together and I always thought of how kind she was and how she was always smiling. I thought her and her family were so cool because they were totally opposite of my family. I played the most with Tasha and Benji. When I entered Aptos High Kim made sure she introduced me to her friends and made me feel a part of that experience. She was always smiling . . .always! Such a sweet girl and strong to! I am saddened to know she was battling this horrible disease and relieved to know that she is in peace! When I think of my childhood I always think of her and her Mom and siblings . . .always in flip flops no matter what the weather and I smile . . Thanks for always being kind to Kathy across the street when she needed it in her life! God Bless!

Michelle Waddle

March 17, 2013

I am so saddened by Kim's death. She truly was a remarkable woman. I will remember her always as the gracious kind person that she was. My deepest sympathies are felt for her family and close friends.

Roseanne Bloom

February 6, 2013

Well, one of those cosmic things I guess. Taryn has come to mind a lot recently (she and my daughter were good pals in Montana a few years back). I went looking for Taryn online and instead found Kim's obituary. I hadn't seen Kim for years although I well remember her dealing with the possibility of cancer, during her first visit to Montana.
Ben, Taryn, and Tessa, please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. I am sure you treasure the time you got to spend with Kim. You should know that I have always had fond memories of the times we all spent together.
It's obvious how special Kim was, reading the guest book. May she rest in peace and may her spirit watch over you all.

Kirsten Schwartz

February 5, 2013

Kim is, I believe, gone, on to another wonderfuller place. So this writing is for her friends and family. I remember Kim, along with Bart, Tasha, and Ben, coming over to our house as young children; I babysat those four quite a bit, and had a great time every time. I had not been in contact with her for years (mostly because of living far away), but the day I found out she had died--it was the day after--it seemed that every time I thought of her, I felt an enormous sweetness around me. Sure, it was Kim, enjoying the world one last time without that painful body, and sharing her enjoyment with everyone she could. Generous heart, warm spirit, courageous mind--good woman.

Jan Gentes

January 27, 2013

Kim- We only met twice, by chance, long ago, but I distinctly remember those meetings, where we quickly found that we shared two passions; cycling and our children. Our last conversation was on the sand at Seacliff Beach. What immediately struck me about you was your serenity and your open heart. You made me feel like we had known each other forever. It was sunset, and as corny as it sounds, you were backlit by a golden light. I almost started laughing as it seemed particularly fitting for the beautiful woman I had the privilege to encounter. The Golden Girl- inside and out. Thanks for the gift of getting to meet you!

Melisa Ugalde Monroe

January 26, 2013

Kim, sad to hear you left us. What a kind soul and sprit. Many Vinna girl mommets to remember. Sending Love to your family.

Denevan Family

January 25, 2013

In remembrance of Kim's sweet smile and mad volleyball skills!

Mary Jo Della Maggiore

January 24, 2013

My deepest sadness goes out to Taryn and Tessa.Your mom set such a wonderful example of love,kindness, and compassion towards others. Kim always had a smile and sweet words to share with me. I know you are not in pain any longer, and you will be the angel on your sweet daughters' shoulders.

Katie Maleta

January 23, 2013

Kim and I worked closely in the summer of 1980 at YCC (Youth Conservation Corps). We maintained trails in Nisene Marks. I loved her company, and she was always my favorite "buddy" in our group. We spent the entire summer working side by side, laughing and sharing stories about our lives. She was beautiful inside and out and extremely bright. I loved her energy and her love for people and nature. Kim was a strong team player. Through the years, we woould see each other and share our lives again, talking of our children. She shared that she was in remission, but appeared incredibly brave and approached her cancer so very matter of factly. I am overwhelmed with the loss of this brilliant, energetic person and do know that her life carries on through her children and with all who has ever been in contact with her. Blessings and peace to her family.

With much sincerity,
Katie Bargetto-Maleta

Marion Wolfe

January 23, 2013

Kim, this is your mother in law speaking to you. I am so appreciative of the love you gave my son---he was so happy to be married to such an accomplished woman who just happened to be gorgeous too. He became so interested in Taryn and Tessa and their talents and futures. That will remain, I am sure. We all will miss you for you are forever in our hearts. I loved our emails---you were d i l (daughter in law) and I was m i l (mother in law)---it was a privilege to be your m i l. You are in my thoughts forever. Love, Marion

January 23, 2013

Ben, I was sadden to find out of your wife's passing. I want you to know that you both are in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Minvielle

Jane Mott

January 23, 2013

I miss you everyday, Kim. It's like the earth tilted slightly on its axis the day you left us. I will always remember your kindness and generosity, your laughter, your witty sense of humor, the sound of your voice, your love for my brother and your daughters... and Rosco, Muddy and baby kitty, for the owls outside your window, your friendship, your love of Montana, the smell of the lotion I got to massage on your hands and feet.... your unwavering strength. You always bring a smile to my face and you will live on in my heart forever.

Amy Anderson Magee

January 23, 2013

I have been trying to write something for two days now. So I will just say weren't we all lucky to have Kimmy in our lives? We'll all miss her so much, but I do have so many fun and great memories. Kim was always barefoot in the summer,always had a stubbed toe, didn't slow her down one bit. We rode bikes to the beach, to Vessey's for candy, rollerskated all over on metal-wheeled skates, slid down the stairs in her house on the bed mattresses. And that's just childhood. Later on Kim was there the day Mairen was born, and took me out to lunch on my first baby outing with her. How fun being moms together too, chasing Taryn all over because she was fast and had no fear! (sound familiar?)
Days at Wilder Ranch with Tessa, Taryn, Mairen and Liam were awesome. We used to all eat dinner together a lot at her Seacliff house, with kids and friends and later on Ben. I think that sometimes there were at least eight kids in the hot tub. Fun fun times. Thanks for being such a great friend Kimmy.

Natasha Bennett

January 23, 2013

Kim,
Truly a blessing in our lives..
missing your beauty smile and your forever charming whit, and special friendship.

john scanlon

January 22, 2013

From another neighborhood kid of Vienna Woods in Aptos. Rest in Peace, you were always kind to me. This news is very sad indeed.

John Scanlon & family

Lisa Nielsen

January 22, 2013

I miss you Kim. I will always carry a piece of you in my heart. Peace out girlfriend.

Julie Worthington

January 22, 2013

I didn't know Kim very well, she and my husband were friends for many years. But her sister, Natasha, was my doula and has become a very good friend so my heart just breaks for Kim's family in their great loss. On the day she passed, my 3 year old asked, "Is the sister of the lady who helped me be born in heaven?" I answered, "yes." He continued, "Is she an angel?" Again I said yes. Then he said, "I want to be an angel and fly in the sky and watch everybody." Kim, you left the world too soon and your loss will seem to be too much to bear for those who love you. But I know you are up there watching over those you loved and are finally out of pain. Rest in peace, beautiful lady.

Monty Worthington

January 22, 2013

Kim, I have many fond memories of you over the the many years we crossed paths. It makes me smile to think of tracking your progress in far flung races around the globe, and also the simple wonderful bike rides right here in Santa Cruz. Sometimes a ride might end with unexpected cold rain, however, you always found a way to say something to make those rides memorable and fun. Chasing back to the front of those rides together - sharing in our own little suffering - were all just tiny moments of life in our wonderful part of the world. May you always be greeted with tailwinds, warm sunny days, and the smiles from those who loved you and still miss you here.

Rachel Diaz

January 22, 2013

Kimmy, even though we did not get to see each other as much once we became "grown ups" I have always felt incredibly bonded to you. Your rare and amazing beauty, strength, wit, intelligence, kindness, and love never ceased to amaze and inspire me. (And when young and immature, torture me. Did you know how jealous I was of those long legs of yours when we first met in junior high? It's funny to think back on it now.) I am blessed for having had you in my life, and grateful for all the times we did get to connect. It was fun being pregnant together, too! Sending much love to you, your beautiful girls, your Ben, and your entire family, including the amazing Vienna Woods girls.

christopher anderson

January 22, 2013

Rest in peace kimmy, you were always so kind to me, you were truly wonderful.

Beth Moorehead

January 22, 2013

Kimmy - thanks for being my friend for 42 years, for sharing every era from grade school to college to marriages and kids and more. Thanks for teaching me how to really ride a bike, and doing so with patience! Thanks for teaching me compassion, and how to laugh through just about anything. Your keen wit was never far from any conversation. Thanks for all the Princess Bride jokes, and our trips to Tahoe. You are deeply loved by many and we're going to keep you in our hearts always.

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