Kimberly M. Messier M’05
Kimberly M. Messier, St. Albans, VT, died October 25, 2024, 16 years after she received a diagnosis of cancer, including six years with metastatic breast cancer.
Born in Highgate, she attended Highgate Elementary School and graduated from Missisquoi Valley Union High School. She pursued higher education at Trinity College in Burlington, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. Later, she obtained a master’s degree in business administration from Saint Michael’s, inspired by her deep belief in the value of education, especially for women.
Throughout her career, Kim was an inspiring force in human resources at Mylan/Viatris, where she dedicated over 25 years. Despite the challenges of a male-dominated industry, she rose through the ranks to become a respected human resources manager. Kim found her work rewarding, especially when helping others, a value she upheld throughout her life.
Kim had a passion for travel, exploring places like Paris, New York, Rome, Vatican City, and Sicily. She often documented these adventures, ensuring every memory with her family was preserved. Beyond travel, Kim had a lifelong fascination with the paranormal, even visiting haunted sites and enjoying ghost stories with family. Her meticulous planning and love for organization made her the family’s travel expert, ensuring every detail was perfect.
Kim was known for her financial discipline, continually reading finance books and seeking ways to improve. She passed this wisdom on to her children, teaching them to be independent and responsible. A lifelong learner, Kim immersed herself in books, films, and, in later years, YouTube videos, always hungry for knowledge.
Her generous spirit was evident in her charitable work. She was deeply involved with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, leading fundraising teams and supporting cancer research. She also donated to Make-A-Wish, a cause close to her heart.
Kimberly’s love for animals was nurtured from a young age, growing up on a farm where she found joy in feeding calves and caring for the barn cats. Her compassion for animals continued throughout her life as a proud pet owner of cats, sharing her home with countless feline companions over the years. Kimberly’s heart was especially open to those in need; she fostered over 30 different kittens, providing them with a safe and loving home. Her gentle nature and love for animals left a lasting impact on all the lives, human and animal alike, that she touched.
Above all, Kim was a devoted mother who instilled discipline, hard work, and compassion in her two sons, always prioritizing their well-being. She leaves behind an inspirational legacy of strength, resilience, love and cherishing life fully.
Kim was predeceased by her husband, Jamie, in 2023. She is survived by two sons, her parents, a brother and extended family.