New Bedford - Leona (Clark) Kimball. Our mom has been called home to the Lord on this day, January 9, 2014.
Although on this earth we are now torn apart, a piece of you stays here in our heart, your body may be gone but this is not goodbye, you now join the loved ones whose memories never die. In great company you now stay, to join those angels who watch over us each day, in their hands we just know you're okay. "P.S. Love you, till the rivers run dry. xoxoxo"
Long time companion of Ralph Gilmour, Sr.
She is survived by her only son, Bruce Kimball and his fiancée Lois Gibeault of New Bedford, MA. Her 2 daughters: Linda Desroches and her husband Greg of Fairhaven and Karen Kimball of South Dartmouth. She was the former mother-in-law of Paul Enos of New Bedford. Her nephew, that she raised after the passing of her mother, Jesse Clark and his wife Rebecca of Utah.
Born in Berkley, MA to the late Earl and Priscilla (Jones) Clark.
Member of the First Congregational Church, Lunds Corner, New Bedford, MA
The love of her life was spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, in any sport they played or other activity they did. She took pride in her garden and loved to watch birds and butterflies. She loved the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots.
Mom was an amazing woman who was very strong in fighting life's battles that were dealt to her for over 30 years. She was an amazing mother who raised her 3 children alone. We may not have had much but we had our family and the love of our mother that we will cherish forever.
She is also survived by:
Her companion's children, Ralph Gilmour, Jr. and his companion Filomenia Farias of Acushnet and Candi Durant and her husband Gary of New Bedford.
Her Grandchildren, Bruce Rymut and his companion Bonnie Luiz of Somerset, Tracy Carreiro and her husband Jason of Fairhaven and Amanda Gravanis and her husband Nick of Assonet, Bruce Kimball, Jr. of Arizona, Sheri Kimball of Carver, Justin Ouellette and his wife Raedience of Fairhaven and Rachel Enos of New Bedford. Two step granddaughters, Jessica Vinjerud and her husband Lars III of Rochester and Kaylee Desroches and her fiancé Josh Lima of New Bedford.
Her companion's grandchildren, Brett and Christopher Gilmour of FL, Samantha Gilmour of Ohio, Brooke Delano and Michael Durant of New Bedford, Brian Farias and his wife Helen, and Steven Farias of Acushnet.
Her great-grandchildren, Jacob Rymut, Lance Carreiro, Jayden and Jordan Ouellette all of Fairhaven. Step Great-grandchildren Lars (LJ) and Ella Vinjerud of Rochester, Abigail Lima of New Bedford, Kellen Barcelos and Breckin Luiz of Somerset.
She leaves behind 4 sisters: Betty O'Brien of New Bedford, Elaine Babineau of Wareham, Pauline Braley of Acushnet (a day didn't go by that Pauline didn't call Mom to see how she was feeling) and Marlene Bourque of Seekonk; 3 brothers: Donald and Dennis Clark of New Bedford, and Kenny Clark of SC.
Many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Including her goddaughter, Tammy Silva of Cumberland, RI and her special niece Kristy Babineau of Duxbury. She is the aunt of the late Ernie DeMoranville and Scott Clark.
Whenever you see a butterfly of hear a bird chirping that is Mom saying hello. When the warm raindrops or snowflakes softly touch your face those are kisses of Mom.
We want to thank her Drs: Allan Weinschell, Elizabeth Blanchard, Jason Zauls and Richard Miller. All the staff at the Southcoast Cancer Center as well as the many nurses at St. Luke's Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Congregational Church, 2195 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford, MA 02745 or the Southcoast Cancer Center, 206 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend:
Visiting hours 5:00-7:30 P.M., Monday, January 13, 2014 at the Kirby Funeral Home, 61 Tarkiln Hill Road, New Bedford.
Followed immediately by funeral services at 7:30 PM.
Burial will be private.