Kimberly Carter

Kimberly Ann Carter, age 49, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Madison on May 1 2013.

Kimberly was born in Marshfield WI on June 4, 1963 to Trish Carter-Diers and James Diers. She moved to Sheboygan with her family in 1974 where she attended Grant, Urban, and North High schools.

Kim made her home in Madison after graduation and worked as a Legal Assistant for the law firm of Foley & Lardner for 14 years, making many lifelong friends. She was most recently a Paralegal and Office Manager at the firm of Hazelbaker & Associates, a job she truly treasured and would not have given up had her illness not demanded so.

We will all remember Kim for her courage in her battle with rheumatoid arthritis. She was honored by the Arthritis Foundation at the Madison Jingle Bell Run in December 2005 for her efforts. A friend of Kim's said it best, "With more strength and courage than I think I could ever muster, Kimberly faced physical pain every day. Every time she offered someone a handshake, she knew it was going to hurt, yet she didn't pull back. Every time she climbed a hill, her feet and knees would protest, but she climbed anyway. Even sleep held no respite. Still, she didn't whine or complain or ask others to pity her. She smiled, and it lit the room. She laughed, and made others laugh along with her."

Kimberly is survived by her partner, Tom Jenz, her parents, Trish Carter-Diers, Surprise, AZ,; James Diers (Jean),Stratford,WI; a sister, Pamela Niehaus (John), Hewitt, WI; brothers, Stephen Diers (Keely Phippen), Sheboygan; Todd Diers (Christy Drymon-Loyal), Stratford; her former husband, Tom Hemaidan, Madison; her aunt, Dorthie Owens, Stoughton; their families, her cousins and their families.

A memorial service was held for family and close friends on Sunday, May 5 in Madison.

Memorials for Kimberly would be greatly appreciated by the Arthritis Foundation.