Kimberly Sue Calabrese, 53, died Jan. 9, 2015, at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC, after a hard-fought battle with leukemia.
Kim was born on July 13, 1961, in Barberton, Ohio, to the late Ira Ray Wayne and Doris Marie Wayne, who reside in Elizabeth, WV. She graduated from Calhoun County High School in Grantsville, WV, in 1979.
She is preceded in death by her newborn twins, Caitlin Rose and Courtney Marie.
She is survived by her husband, Carmen Francis, and her daughter, Cailee Frances, 11, of Lumberton, NC. She is also survived by 5 siblings, Jeff Case, John (Tracey) Wayne, Melissa (Rick) Armbrust, Christopher (Tammy) Wayne, and Andrea (David) Joliet. In addition, she is survived by nephews Andy Case and Brandon Hickman; nieces Stephanie (Jason) Good, Angela Case, Whitney Wayne and Allison Reynolds; and great niece Emily Good.
From a young age, Kim was dedicated to education and learning. She earned a bachelor of science in business administration and an MBA from Pfeiffer University in Charlotte, NC. She also earned her masters in information technology from Walsh College in Novi, Mich. At the time of her death, she was nearing the completion of her doctorate in information systems from Nova Southeastern University in Miami. Before her 2-year battle with cancer, Kim was a professor at Robeson Community College in Lumberton, NC.
Kim was a devoted wife and mother, and her love and generosity toward her family and friends inspired those around her. As the second oldest of six, Kim learned how to tend and look after others. This caregiving nature continued throughout her life. Kim donated her time and energy as a supporter and volunteer for the Leukemia Society, March of Dimes, Wounded Warrior Project and the Red Cross. She had a passion for everything Disney as well as beauty pageants, which she enjoyed in her youth and then later as a mother of a participant.
"If ever there is tomorrow when we're not togetherâ¦there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apartâ¦I'll always be with you." A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh
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