Lorna Jean Kimball

Lorna Jean Kimball, spouse of the Reverend Dr. Bob Kimball, died 26 May 2017. She was born 8 December 1929 in Bombay, India and spent most of her childhood in India. Her father was a missionary and her mother taught in a school for the deaf. Lorna came to the U.S. as a young woman to attend Oberlin College in Ohio.

While attending college, she met Robert Kimball, and they were married 25 August 1951. They had four children , who kept her very busy while Bob completed his education, became ordained, and began his career. When his career took him to Starr King School for the Ministry and the family was established in California, she returned to university and earned her credentials to teach special needs students. That became her career, which she pursued for many years.

Lorna had many interests which sustained her, aside from her work and family. She loved to play music and for most of their lives together always had a piano or keyboard standing by. Another passion was bird watching. Lorna loved growing things, and had a special gift for growing orchids and getting them to bloom.

After she left her school and Bob retired from Starr King, they moved to Alameda and settled into a quiet life. They took frequent walks and often took their meals in local establishments. They were a team and attended to each other. This became more difficult when she developed Alzheimer’s and struggled with dementia. Her final months were hard, but Bob and their children looked after her until the end.

Lorna is survived by her children; Seth, Jeanette, Amy, and Paul; six grandchildren; her brother, Owen Thomas; and sister, Patricia Becker.