Gloucester — Kim S. Anderson, 55, of Gloucester, caregiver, advocate, lover of reggae, classic films, and fishing, sister, aunt, friend, volunteer, and “mom” to her beloved dogs Pirana and Darla Jean died on Saturday, January 26, 2013 in a fire at her home in Gloucester. Pirana and Darla Jean also died in the fire.
Born in Worcester, and raised in Millis, Kim graduated from the New England Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Boston and went on to get her Bachelor of Science degree at Rhode Island College. She began her career at Rhode Island Hospital and then worked at Lahey Clinic in Burlington, for over 20 years where she became a Charge RN in the Cardiac Telemetry Unit. In 2004, Kim decided to devote herself to what she considered her true calling and joined Hospice of North Shore. Although she stopped working in 2009 due to a disability, Kim continued to be a caregiver to family, friends, and her rescue dogs.
Throughout her life, Kim was a devoted volunteer. Most notably, with the Rape Crisis Center in Boston, and later with the Aids Action Committee. When she wasn’t working or volunteering, Kim loved to watch classic films, bird watch, and most of all; fish. Kim could often be found in the wee hours of the morning on the water of her adopted hometown of Gloucester, looking to land the big one. Kim was also known for her quirky sense of humor and unique laugh.
Kim leaves behind a brother, Craig Anderson and wife, Pam; niece, Lauren Anderson; and nephew, JR Anderson of New Canaan, Conn. She also leaves behind three step siblings, Kim O’Leary of Worcester, Ben Zura of Woodland Hills, Calif., Amy Neary of Cumberland, R.I.; and their mother, Joan Anderson of Rumford, R.I. Kim was predeceased by her father, Douglas H. Anderson of Rumford, R.I., and her mother, Eleanor C. Anderson of Millis.
ARRANGEMENTS: A memorial service to celebrate Kim’s life is planned for the spring with details to be announced.
Donations may be made in her memory to Cape Ann Animal Aid, 4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930, or the AIDS Action Committee of MA, Inc., 75 Armory Street
Boston, MA 02119
Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester.
For online condolences, please visit greelyfuneralhome.com.
