Kim O'Shaughnessy Leary

Have you ever met a lady who sparkles like a bright star on a dark moonless night? Have you ever met a lady who bubbles like champagne, whose laughter is irresistible, who is joyful over the ordinary, playful when working hard, cheerful when others are down, who dances when others are lethargic, who brings joy to the sorrowful and turns frowns upside down wherever she goes? Kim O'Shaughnessy Leary was all of those things, and much, much more. Kim, a highly intelligent person, could more than hold her own in any conversation with anyone, anywhere, at anytime, and leave them laughing with her wit and sense of humor. She had a loving heart and a joyous spirit, and irresistible energy that shined like full moon in a cloudless sky. She always had a kind word to say, a joke to share, a song to play, and a story to tell, and you couldn't help but love her. Kim would love you right back, and once you were her friend, you were her friend forever; she never turned her back on anyone, no matter how much time had passed she was always happy to see you again. Kim, or Kimmie, or Blondie, was a wonderful friend, a wonderful mother, and a wonderful wife; those who knew her loved her. A dedicated mother who adored her children, she was also thrilled to be a grandmother and looked forward to watching her granddaughter grow up, and she spoke of her often, sharing photos and stories of her sons and her granddaughter with friends, coworkers and acquaintances. She loved her family, her brother and sister, her beloved grandparents, her in-laws, her nieces and nephews, her cousins and aunts and uncles; her extended family on every side always had a place in her heart and her thoughts. Kim loved music, and loved to dance to her favorite songs; she was a ferocious reader who intensely devoured books. Kim was highly artistic and creative, whether it was doodling while she was on the phone, painting on a canvas, sketching in a book, creating delicious food in the kitchen, or working on projects around the house; she had a keen eye for details and a fruitful imagination filled with ideas and projects, improvements and plans. Whether it was painting a room or reupholstering a chair, hanging artwork or placing a knick-knack "just so" in the perfect location, she strove to make things better, prettier and more efficient for her family, home, and friends. Kim loved the holidays and the changing of the seasons, and enjoyed decorating her home for the occasions, with a sharp eye and a creative imagination. Kim was a dedicated employee, whether with K-Mart as a young wife and mother, or with the Wake County Public School System in the Child Nutrition Services department for 25 years, rising from part-time cashier to Manager to Training Specialist, helping, teaching, and encouraging others. Kim loved to help others and loved making the children happy, and often was greeted years later in a store by a young adult who fondly remembered her as "the Lunch Lady", and had never forgotten what a wonderful lady she was, how nice and friendly she was, and how much she made them feel special. Kim had special gifts, and she brought them wherever she went, making others feel special and important and knowing that she really cared for them and wished them to be happy. Many a young child told her years later that they had never forgotten how special she made them feel, and that she was the nicest Lunch Lady ever. She took great pleasure in their pleasure, but that was just the way she was. Kim always took great pleasure in pleasing others, and strove to make other people happy. She had unique talent for making other people feel special, and for sharing and spreading happiness wherever she went. Kim Leary will be mourned deeply and missed dearly, as she was beloved by many. She touched people's lives wherever she went, and turned strangers quickly into friends; her irresistible cheerfulness was a crystal chandelier in a darkened room, bringing light wherever she went. The world is a lesser, sadder, darker place because of her departure. Kim was proceeded in her passing earlier this year by her beloved mother Elaine and her father Christopher, and is survived by her husband Michael, her sons Sean, Keegan, and Tristan, and her granddaughter Jolene; she is also survived by her much-loved sister Jennifer and brother Christopher. She loved her whole extended family, including her daughter-in-law Ashley, her in-laws Curtis and Sybil, and her lifelong friends whom she loved so much. Kimmie, we will miss you until the end of days. Thank you for being the wonderful woman, wife, mother, and friend you were every day, and although we will always mourn you leaving us all far too soon, we will always be eternally grateful for your presence here on the mortal plane, spreading laughter and joy wherever you went, brightening our days like a beautiful rainbow following a summer rain. You were a bright shooting star in a dark winter sky, brightening our cold dark world with your dazzling breathtaking brilliance for too brief a time. We will always be grateful for the blessings of having you in our lives. You will live in our hearts, thoughts and memories forever. We will be eternally grateful for your presence as we mourn your loss, and thankful for the time you spent with us. We love you.

Kim O'Shaughnessy Leary

January 18, 1964 - October 14, 2018