ALBANY – Kimberly L. Helm Thomas, 49, of Naples, Florida, formerly of Guilderland, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at St. Peter’s Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Kim was born in Albany, and lived here all her life until moving to Naples, Florida two years ago. She was a graduate of Guilderland High School and Utica College, and was employed as an Occupational Therapist for many years by Guild Care, ARC, and Living Resources. Kim was an amazing advocate for those with disabilities of all ages and her passion for the field of Occupational Therapy was contagious. She helped to inspire and usher friends and family members into the field.
Kim especially loved spending time with her family and friends. When Kim wasn’t at the beach in Naples, she loved spending summers at her camp in the Adirondacks. Kim was truly a selfless person, always putting others first. She touched so many lives in so many ways. Kim will always be remembered for her unconditional love, her kindness, her laugh, and her big big smile.
Kim was predeceased in February by her husband, George A. Thomas. She is survived by her son Aaron G. Thomas; her parents Kenneth L. Helm and Regina M. Blanchet Helm of Albany; her brothers Kenneth L. Helm (Laurey) of Naples, Florida, Kevin A. Helm (Michelle) of Slingerlands, and Keith R. Helm (Candis) of Delanson; her nephews Joshua Helm and Zachary Helm; and by many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and several brothers and sisters-in-law and their families.
The family would like to thank the staff of St. Peter’s Hospital ICU for the wonderful care they provided to Kim.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in All Saints Catholic Church, 16 Homestead Street, Albany (behind CVS), Friday morning at 9:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the church, Thursday from 4-8 p.m. Entombment will follow at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com
Rosanna Flynn
My deepest sympathy, Kim was a loving bright light. Heaven has a beautiful new angel.Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Much love, Rosanna and John Carlo
Babs Preston
Kevin and Michelle,
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Kim. I only meet her a couple a times at Cindys house but she was friendly, funny and a pleasure to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family at this time. I hope you have peace Knowing her pain is over.
Babs
Rick wallace
My heart is aching for the helm an thomas familys im so sorry for the loss of kim. This has been so terrible for all of us. God must have needed her more probably to care for someone in heaven love to all from rick an Scherry Wallace
April Honorio
My heart is so heavy right now at the loss of Kim. She was so full of life and love. I will miss her so much, but she will live on through Aaron.
Judy Jones
To my beautiful cousin. You will be truly missed. I love you and pray that your soul will always inspire us from above. Again, I LOVE YOU.
Carol Shaw
We are very sorry for your loss. Please know that we are thinking of you all and sending prayers.
The Shaw family
Lina
Mr n Mrs Helm n Aaron: words can’t express how sorry I am that your families have to endure such pain and unfairness of losing a person like Kim!! Even though I had lost touch with both Kim n George I still held them in my heart n loved them both very much!!? Mike n I shared a lot of great times with Kim n I will always keep those memories fresh in my mind!! Kim was such a strong beautiful woman who I always admired n I will never forget all the lessons she taught me just by being Kim! Aaron I don’t know you well but 1 thing I can tell you for sure is when your parents found out they were pregnant with you they were ecstatic about it!! Your mom was over the moon about having you!!! Aaron you were a beautiful baby n from what I’ve been told you have grown up into a smart strong handsome young man n you must know how proud both your parents were of you!!! I ask that your family be given the strength needed to get through this awful reality!!! Love n peace to the Helm-Thomas families!!! Kim I will truly never forget you n heaven is so lucky to have you!!! R.I.P my friend!!! Lina
Elaine Lambert
I wanted to express my heartfelt condolences to Kim’s family. There’s such a sense of helplessness when someone we love dies. I’d like to share some scriptural thoughts that really helps me. Prayer is so valuable at this time but it’s not that prayer simply makes us feel better. 2 Cor.4:7 says that God can give us, “… power beyond what is normal “, to go from one day to the next. This does not mean that we no longer cry or that we forget, but it means we recover. The reason we recover is because of our hope. Jesus Christ talked about our hope in John 5:28, “… all those in the memorial tomb will hear his voice and come out “. Jesus was referring to the resurrection, this is our amazing hope! 2 Cor.1:3 describes our Creator as, “… the God of all comfort “. One way that God comforts us is by moving people who care about us to give us words of encouragement that we need to hear. May the God of comfort (Ps.83:18) be your comfort now during this time of sorrow.
Karen Gebhardt
We are so very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
McCarg/Gebhardt families
Kathleen Keating
I wish to express my deepest sympathy on the loss of Kim. I worked with her at Albany ARC. She was always a joy to be with, and cheered even the dreariest day with her contagious laugh. May God comfort you at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marquita Bradt
To the family of Kim,I’m so sorry for your loss.Kim was an amazing woman.her love for life is beyond words.also,the people she cared for,she loved dearly.she will truly be missed by many.i was very honored to have known her.a person who had a great big heart.she is in the hands of god now.rip dear lady.you will be missed sorely.
Gloria Ann Plyser
To the family and friends of Kim,
Our condolences are heartfelt, we are deeply sorry for the loss of such a wonderful person.. I hope your memories will comfort you.
This poem below was shared with me many years ago after a loss, I like to share it with you as well.
A ship sails and I stand watching till she fades on the horizon and someone at my side says She is gone
Gone where? Gone from my sight, that is all. She is just as large now as when I last saw her. Her diminished size and total loss from my sight is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when someone at my side says she is gone there are others who are watching her coming over their horizon and other voices take up a glad shout There she comes!
That is what dying is. An horizon and just the limit of our sight. Lift us up, Oh Lord, that we may see further.
Sincerely,
Gloria and Peter
Lisa St.Hilaire
To Ken and Regina , who lost a daughter, Ken, Kevin and Keith who lost their sister and especially to Aaron, who lost the best mom. My heart goes out to all of you and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
George Kapsaroff
Kevin Words cannot express the sadness and sorrow we feel for you and your family!! Please know we will be praying for you and your family your mom and dad and all the others………….Please know we pray that God will will be with you all at this time to help you get through this very sad time in your lives. We love you all and you will all be in our thoughts and prayers…..
Love George and Ginny
Debra & Jack Crowder
We are so sorry for your loss. You’re family is in our thoughts and prayers. Remembering when we lived down the street from your family. Wonderful memories.
Traci O
To Kim’s family and friends,
I am so sorry for your loss. Kim was a beautiful soul and loved by many.
She spoke of Aaron constantly and loved him so much.. he will always have two angels watching over him.
May you find the Lord’s peace in these painful days.
Mary Bouck
To All: my heart is so heavy right now. Kim was my cousin, like my sister and my best friend.. She had a huge heart and did everything with love and enthusiasm .she touched so many lives while she was here on earth so I know our Lord had a special reason he needed her so soon . I will forever and always carry Kim in my heart and in my soul ❤️
Cindy McLaughlin (Jones)
Heartfelt condolences to the family. We never forget the kids we grew up with. Kim always had a big smile and was easy going. So truly tragic for you all to lose her.
Kathy Ricci
My deepest sympathy to Kim’s family and friends. I had the privilege of working with Kim at Albany ARC/New Visions for many years. Kim made a difference in everyone’s life. Kim was a dedicated, knowledgeable, hard working person always doing what needed to be done no matter what she was asked to do or where she was sent to do it. Kim was everyone’s special friend. Kim was the person who cheered you on, laughed with you, recognized your success and encouraged you every step of the way. Her loss is heart breaking to me, and for her family and closest friends it must be unbearable. I will always remember Kim in my prayers and I pray that she knew how much she was loved and how much she meant to all of us.
.Linda Jacobson
Letting you know that my Heartfelt PRAYERS are with each of you. I am so Blessed to. have had know you even for a short time. Aaron there is no way anyone can understand your pain. I pray that you know you are loved dearly. What God has brought you too He will also carry you through. Much Love to you.
Karen DiBella
So sorry for your loss
Barb Sullivan
May the Lord hold you all in his arms and bring you comfort and peace. I will always keep Kim in my heart. Friends In Christ Always ,Barb Sullivan
Linda & Tony Haas
Our deepest sympathy. Kim was such a wonderful person and will be truly missed.
There are so many lives she touched in a positive way. So many memories that bring a smile and show the wonderful person she was. So many stories about how she made a difference or made someone’s day. So many hearts that are feeling sadness.
Because she was here.
Because she was loved.
Our thoughts and tears are with you all.
Angela Pucci-Tout
May you finally rest in peace Kim, with your husband at your side.
May the lord continue to watch over your beautiful son Aaron. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, always and have been as in-laws!
Rest in final peace:
Angela Pucci-Tout, Bobby Pucci, and
Brianna Pucci
Angela Pucci-Tout
To Uncle Kenny, Aunt Sis and Aaron and the rest of the Helm clan:
My heart cries for all of you: Kim was such an awesome person, parent and friend or distant inlaw cousin:
My prayers and thoughts are will all of you through this most difficult time and for aaron for his future:
respectfully,
angela pucci-tout
Crystal Flick
So sorry for your loss.
Amy Link
Kenny and Sis, Kenny, Kevin and Keith…..what can I say except I am deeply sorry for you loss. I have so many fond memories of Kim, as most others also do. She, as is your entire family, was a wonderful person. Always so much fun to be around. I miss the times when we hung out, many years ago……I will never forget those memories. If I had one wish, it would be to bring her back, healthy and strong….but maybe, just maybe she is the lucky one….maybe the life after is wonderful, and peaceful. If you need anything at all, please do not hesitate to call on me.
My sympathy,
Amy Link
Vic Beattie
Sorry for your loss. Kim was a great girl. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sue lenegar
My deepest sympathy to all of her family and friends. Kim and I Knew each other since middle school we had so much fun…lots of good times and laughs ….she was always smiling even back then…when we ran in to each other here or there..catching up was like old times more laughs….she had an awesome positive spirit. May she Rest In Peace. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone.
Bob and Peg Cardinal
AARON, KEN, REGINA AND FAMILY,
Bob and I cannot express how we feel of Kim’s passing. She was a wonderful and fun person and we will always remember all the good times with her at her home in Guilderland and camp. God bless all of you and may you find some peace and comfort in the days to come.
Love You,
Peg and Bob
Dawn bentley (gray)
I am so sorry for this tragic loss. Kimwas a great friend growing up and I’ve missed her greatly over the years. This news is very rough to take in. My thoughts and prayers are with my you all.
Vic Beattie
Sorry for your loss. She was a great person. Prayers are with you.
Kelly Rafferty
To the entire Helm and Thomas family.
I met Kim a few times while visiting my parents (Peg and Bob Cardinal) at Nacodi Campsite. It was truly amazing how comfortable she made you feel, like she was an instant friend. I know Aaron was her pride and joy and she and George will ALWAYS be with him. Rejoice in knowing that they are dancing together again in heaven. Prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Rick and Tracy ,Ron C
Our thoughts and prayers to Kim’s family. God sure has gotten a beautiful thoughtful and wonderful smile.She will be truly missed by everyone whose path they were lucky to cross.We will miss her .
Joe and Cindy Grovenger
Keith. Candis and Family.
So very sorry for you loss. May Kim rest in
Peace. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Joseph P Molinaro
Joe & Johanna express our sincere sympathy to Kim’s son and her family.
We feel so sorry for your loss. Although we only new her for a short time, we were greatly impressed with her thoughtfulness and sincerity to help others. She will be missed by all of us at summer camp. May she rest in peace. God bless you Kim.
Chris VanPelt
My deepest sympathy to the Helm family. Kim truly was one of a kind and she will always be remembered for seeing the good in everything. We were all incerdibly lucky to have known Kim. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Robert Johnson
To Aaron and the entire Helm family:
Words cannot express how deeply saddened we are for your loss. Kim was, and always will be, a bright light full of goodness and generosity towards everyone around her. She was kind, gentle, strong and deeply dedicated to her loving family. She was loved by everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will stay in our hearts forever. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love,
Barbara and Bob
Sharon King
My heart breaks for all of you. There are no words to ease your pain. Just know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Lean on each other to get thru this difficult time
Tobie Dorn
I am so very sorry for your loss Aaron – and family. Words are not enough to express my sympathy. Kim was such a unique person- so loving, positive, caring and with such a joy in being with family and friends. She fully embraced life but was also spiritual and accepting of whatever God had planned for her. She is sorely missed. May you find peace and joy in your memories of her and may she live on in you and give you strength.
Deb McCauslin
My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. I worked with Kim at Albany ARC and she always said “hi” and greeted me with a smile. I am very sad to hear of her passing. Rest In Peace.
Sue Baker
Ken, Sis, Aaron, and family: I am heartbroken to hear that Kim has passed. What a beautiful person with a smile that lit up the room. She was a special woman in so many ways. God sent for her for a reason which we can’t understand. God be with you at this difficult time.
Tere' and Mike
Deepest Sympathy to all
Cheryl Jacobson
With such heavy hearts, we send our deepest sympathy. Kim was one of the kindest and sweetest people we have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She was an amazing mother and it shows right through her son Aaron, as he is just as kind and loving. We miss you Kim, we know you will watch over all of your loved ones, especially Your boy, Aaron. Love and strength to your whole family.
Love The Jacobsons
Cheryl, John, Cole and Ethan
Meredith
My deepest sympathy to Kim’s family, whom she talked about frequently and loved so much. It was an honor to have worked with Kim, whose passion for what she did was evident in how she spoke about it, but more importantly, how she carried that work out each day. I am forever grateful for what I learned from Kim, which helped influence my career and gave me valuable information to use in my personal life as well. Kim was her genuine self 100% of the time and gave 100% of herself all the time. A perfect example of how we all should live and a reminder of the benefits of being kind.
Robin Moller
I worked with Kim at Albany ARC. She was kind and so sweet to all around her. She cared about everyone. I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Alicia and Richard Sullivan
We are deeply saddened to hear of Kim’s passing and our hearts are broken for sweet Aaron. Kim was an incredible person, mother, friend and will be missed tremendously. We send all our love and support to your wonderful family.
ALICE TUNNEY
KIM WAS A VERY SPECIAL YOUNG WOMAN! MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU AS YOU TRAVEL THIS ROAD TOGETHER………ALICE
Tammy Jones
My deepest thoughts and prayes go out to Kim’s family, I will always remember her smile, it was always a pleasant smile full of spirit she made everyone smile.
My deepest sympathy to the Helms family with prayers and always my Heart
Robert Bongiorno
Dear Helms family and Aron and George jr., I am so sorry about the passing of Kim and wanted to express my sincere condolences for the loss of your daughter and sister and mother and wish I knew when the wake was so I could have attended. Kim was always nice and kind to me and she will be truly missed. Sincerely Robo
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