Kimberly (Kimmy) Anne Alley

On Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, Kimberly (Kimmy) Anne Alley, formerly of Greenwood Lake, N.Y., passed away unexpectedly at the age of 43.

Born August 25, 1977, in Newburgh, N.Y., Kimmy was the daughter of John and Barbara Alley of Greenwood Lake.

Although she was born developmentally disabled, it certainly did not define her and who she would become. To know Kimmy was to know of her genuine rainbow smile and wide-open eyes full of warmth and happiness.

If you were lucky enough to experience an encounter with her, then those priceless moments will forever be ingrained in your heart and mind.

Kimmy had the gift of having a remarkable memory when it came to people; she never forgot meeting you and vice versa. Speaking “Kimmy” was challenging for some, but she would always show patience with you and find very ingenious ways in getting you to understand her.

Her true gift was to make those around her forget their daily troubles and appreciate life. If Kimmy had a mantra it was: “Live in The Moment.”

Kimmy relished family birthdays, graduations, holiday celebrations, weekend sleepovers, beach trips and movie nights with ice cream. She was an avid Yankee fan and spent countless hours watching her brothers play baseball/softball.

Kimmy’s homemade cards and Christmas ornaments became a coveted family possession.

Kim loved her extended visits down to Orlando, Florida, to her sister Martha’s home. Her countless trips to Sea World with family and friends was something she loved, adored and spoke often about.

With the passing of her mother, Kimmy’s sister Krista and husband Danny Marino had already begun Kimmy’s living transition years earlier by opening their home and welcoming her to join their family. This commitment lasted almost 20 years turning Krista’s sister-sister bond more into a sister-mother relationship throughout those years. Danny’s extended family also embraced Kimmy where she would ever become part of the Marino family.

Kim’s desire for independence grew while attending the progressive Day-Hab program at Independent Living Inc., in Newburgh, N.Y. It was at Day-Hab where Kimmy shared incredible friendships that grew and became everlasting.

Eventually, Kimmy made her residence at an independent living home that supported her aspirations for self-reliance.

Along with her parents, Kimmy was predeceased by sister Mary Filkins and nephew Andrew J. Heitman. Survivors include siblings Martha Richter, husband Roger of Orlando, Fla., Krista Marino, husband Danny of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Richard Alley, wife Elisabeth of Monroe, N.Y., and Mark Alley, wife Carey of Monroe, N.Y. Also surviving are nieces Jessica Guess, Cara Alley and nephews Adrian Richter, Gary Grimley, Joshua Grimley and Jack Alley. Her grandnieces and grandnephews included Maddy Heitman, Tabitha Richter, Ethan Grimley and Joshua Grimley Jr.

Kimmy’s kind heart and joy of life will continue to grow within those who were lucky enough to know her. One thing is for certain, when our time eventually comes to meet once again somewhere over that rainbow, we will be greeted by Kimmy and her infectious smile and warm hugs. As sure as the turning of the earth.

Cremation was at the McMillian-Small Funeral Home & Crematory, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

A “Celebration of Life” service will be announced later.