Heather Rose Kimmel

Our dear Heather passed away at home late Sunday evening July 4, 2010.  There are no words to express how much we miss her or how much we love her.   Heather was born to a single mother on May 19, 1984.  It took 17 months of living with relatives and in foster homes before her birthmother found the right situation for her.  Heather was adopted by Glenn Kimmel and his previous wife Harriet in 1985.  Following their divorce, Heather spent a few years living in the Madison homes of both parents before moving in full time with Dad and Mom (Glenn and Lynn) in 1996.   The feisty toddler grew up to be an extraordinary student and gifted teacher who was loved by both her teachers and students.  Her academic achievements went on to include graduation with honors from James Madison Memorial High School and a Bachelor of Arts degree Magna Cum Laude from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota where she was also inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.  She then earned a Master of Science degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in 2009 while teaching mathematics to high school students as part of the Mississippi Teacher Corps in the inner city of Jackson Mississippi.  Although unwilling to admit that she was fluent in Spanish, Heather then continued her career teaching high school mathematics at Colegio Granadino, an international school in Manizales, Colombia.  She returned home to Madison in late June this year and was enrolled in the Nursing Assistant Program at MATC, signaling a possible career change that her parents were hesitant to ask too much about for fear of dissuading her.  Throughout her life, Heather spent many months educating herself and others and volunteering her time in Central and South America.  Heather loved to listen to music, write and sing songs, write poetry, draw, cook, dance, read, ride horses, drive her car, and so many other things.  She was a loving and devoted member of our family and leaves behind too many people who love her to list here.  They include her brother Ben, father Glenn, mom Lynn, and grandmothers Claire and Suzanne.  It is impossible to adequately express our gratitude to our friends, colleagues, neighbors, and family (many people in more than one category) for helping us through this terrible time in our lives.  We prefer that you not send flowers or gifts.  For those who wish to make a material contribution, we ask that you donate on Heather's behalf to Camp Anokijig, W3639 Anokijig Lane, Plymouth, WI, 53073.  Heather loved the camp and many people who work there.   Visitation will be held from 4 until 8 pm on Thursday, July 8th at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Avenue, Madison, WI.  Funeral services will be held on the following day for the closest of Heather's family and friends.