Kimberly Messier

ST. ALBANS - Kimberly Mary Messier, a beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to many, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, October 25, 2024, after a courageous 16-year battle with cancer, including six years fighting metastatic breast cancer. Her strength, intelligence, and love touched everyone around her, and her legacy will continue through the countless lives she impacted.

Kim was born on January 9, 1972, in Highgate, Vermont, to Ronald and Aleta Nichols. 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 College, 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 a legacy of strength, resilience, and love, inspiring those who knew her to cherish life fully.

Kimberly is survived by her loving family, including her two sons, Brendan and Nicholas Messier, her parents, Ronald and Aleta Nichols, her brother, Kevin Nichols and his wife Marybeth, in-laws, Jim & Marguerite Messier, and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, the late Jamie Messier. Kimberly will be deeply missed by all who know her.

Friends & family are invited to Kim's life celebration to include visitation from 4-7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at the Goss Life Celebration Home, 89 Grand Ave., Swanton, VT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at Holy Angels Catholic Church, Lake Street, St. Albans, VT. Interment will be held privately in Holy Cross Cemetery in St. Albans.

For those who wish, contributions in Kim's memory may be made to American Cancer Society - Relay for Life, or Make-A-Wish Vermont.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com