Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Kimberly Aker Obituary
07/27/2024
Kimberly Manning Aker, of Oakland, California, passed away on July 27, 2024.
Kimberly was many things in this life, and her enormous spirit can hardly be contained in a few short paragraphs. She was a daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and wife to the love of her life, husband, Jeff Aker. Kimberly was predeceased by her father, Neal Manning; and brother-in-law, John Hickey.
Kimberly was married to Jeff for nearly 21 years. Their days were filled with travel, laughter and devotion to their beautiful 1912 home, which they restored and made their own personal oasis. Kimberly loved traveling beside her husband to their favorite places in Great Britain, especially Wales. The comfort of their spectacular garden and the treasures of their home always welcomed them back as they continued to cherish their community of friends in the Bay area as much as their adventures abroad.
Beyond Kimberly's large circle of loving friends and family, her work was very important to her. She was a creative and talented designer, writer and artist. Her talents spanned over 18 years owning a small business, KMA Design. She had a passion for history, architecture and art-all themes seen throughout her design, writing and lively conversations. Kimberly published a novel in 2020 called Where Two Streams Join, and was working on a second book from her hospital bed. Her signature look was vintage 1940s.
Kimberly attributed her natural curiosity and thirst for knowledge to her exemplary education at Thomas School for Girls in Rowayton, Connecticut and New England College-Arundel in Arundel, Sussex, England, where she studied History and Art History.
Kimberly was the vibrant light in the room that one couldn't help but notice. She was funny, creative, magical and loving. She wanted people to know that her husband sat next to her every day as she battled for her life. She wanted to warn the world of the effects of the oral chemo drug, Verzenio, which irreparably damaged her lungs.
Kimberly is survived by her husband, Jeff Aker of Oakland; mother, Victoria MacGill of Colorado; sister, Melissa Hickey of Colorado; brother, John Neal Manning of North Carolina; nieces, Katherine Behan and Elizabeth Hermann of Colorado; and nephew, John Hickey of New Jersey.
The passing of Kimberly is a startling reminder that we truly never know the twists and turns of this life. Kimberly wanted to live. She was a strong, talented and gifted woman. To honor her, please always choose joy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kimberly Aker
Julie Lord
November 1, 2025
Was blessed to have Kimberly as a long distance friend for a number of years. A truly radiant soul, talented, and giving. Will be forever in the hearts of the many who knew her.
Heather Ripley
November 13, 2024
I met Kimberly while serving on a local historic preservation board back in 1999. She showed me the "ropes" of dressing vintage, producing monthly lectures/programs and introducing me around to the community. Kimberly and I became fast friends and I have treasured every moment with her. For a time we worked together at our "day jobs" and she played matchmaker for me and my partner. Then she met her soul mate Jeff. I can remember the night they met, she was so smitten, and he was too. Kimberly was a unique, incredibly creative person, smart as a whip, and oh so loveable.
I feel privileged to be part of a team working to complete her 2nd novel "The Mudlark's Song". It's a beautiful and touching story with parallels to Kimberly's own amazing life. But while the main character has a few close friends, Kimberly's reach was and is much wider. She touched so many lives. I know her influence on my life was immense.
Rest in peace dear girl. I miss you so much You will never be forgotten.
Flick
November 12, 2024
Kimberley and I were diagnosed with breast cancer a matter of weeks apart.
We had been online friends for several years prior to this unhappy event, but our diagnoses brought us closer together. An ocean apart, we each commiserated with the other on the rigours of our respective treatments, because we understood the horrors we both faced in a way that you can only understand through direct experience.
When she messaged to say she had finished her treatment, I was overjoyed for her. At that point, we did not know.
I am heartbroken at her loss. I still check my phone in the middle of the night, hoping to see that little icon that she has sent me a message, because that was our routine for so long.
Save me a seat at the bar, sweetheart xxx
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Jonathan Fawcett
November 12, 2024
Having been a friend of Kimberly for a number of years on social media we finally met at a vintage event at York in the UK a year or so ago. She was a lovely, with a vibrant personality. She will be sadly missed by myself and all who's lives she touched over the years. God bless you Kimberly Xx
Rishi Askoolum
November 11, 2024
Words alone cannot express enough, how much we miss you. Never far from our thoughts, you shall always be remembered & never forgotten. I will always be grateful of your love & support during some very difficult times...until we meet again, I hold a candlelight within my heart for you...
Iris Hillery
November 11, 2024
There are no words to say how I feel but I valued Kimberley´s friendship over the short time we knew her. I admired her kindness and fortitude, her literary achievements and passion for life. She was so loved by both family and friends. Even across the ocean she reached out to so many of us and shared her hopes, joys and sorrows. She will be so missed, but remembered especially this month by all her friends at Riviera Swing.
Emma Preston
November 11, 2024
I met Kimberley when she came to England for a vintage event. Such a beautiful and vibrant lady and we connected over her love of Wales, with me being Welsh and also a love of literature as well as vintage.
Such a tragic loss and my heart goes out to her dear husband Jeff and all her family and friends.
Juju O'Grady
November 11, 2024
Kimberly was a ray of wonderful sunshine and I feel blessed to have called her friend. When I go for a walk amongst nature and see its beauty, I think of her especially when I see a flower bloom. She was wonderfully creative and very proud of her first book, rightly so, and was so giving of herself. Always so kind to me and thoughtful. A warrior who won her battle with cancer only for the treatment she was taking to cause her so much irreparable damage. Despite it all, she lived life to the full and we were looking forward to her next trip to the UK. She fought to the end and was determined to live, she never gave up. I miss her but in her friends we will always be connected and I know her spirit will be with us always.
Sara Klotz de Aguilar
November 10, 2024
I will miss Kimberly every day for the rest of my life. I was honored to count her amongst my closest friends, for the past 30 years. She was always inspirational and fiercely loyal. Rest in peace and power, dear friend.
Yvonne Somrani
November 10, 2024
Kimberly was my steadfast, loyal and beautiful friend. Although we were Oceans apart we chatted nearly everyday and travelled together across both our Continents.
We shared a love of 1940s vintage, which bought us together via Facebook.
I miss you, my devoted friend.
Rest easy with your beloved father.
All my love, Yvonne
San Franciscan
November 8, 2024
To the Kimberly Aker Family,
I was drawn to the photo of this beautiful face, and read her obituary. While I did not know her, I thank you for posting her warning about the chemo medication mentioned. I will need your wife's warning should my cancer return and tell others.
I cannot imagine how deeply her loss is impacting your lives, but I hope and pray for your strength and comfort. May the illness that took her be eradicated from harming others. Cancer seems to touch every family, tragically.
In deepest sympathy,
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in Kimberly Aker's name
Memorial Events
for Kimberly Aker
People and places connected with Kimberly
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Kimberly's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Kimberly Aker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
