Kimberly Ann Mayer, cherished wife and mother, adored sister and daughter, beloved auntie and oma, incomparable friend and confidant to all, warrior woman and sunshine of our lives, passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving husband and children, in Salt Lake City on May 6 2024, from pancreatic cancer.
Kim was born in Columbus Ohio on August 10, 1957 to Ben and Connie Beckstrand, the 3rd of 7 children. As a daughter of a military family, they lived in many places. After graduating high school and while attending The University of Minnesota, she met the love of her life and forever soulmate, Carl Mayer. Married on August 9th 1980, they moved to Illinois to begin a family of their own. Dallas Texas soon became their home, where they established roots and raised a beautiful, united family. Becoming a wife and mother inspired Kim to create a nurturing home. A safe harbor for her loved ones and for herself, where self-worth and creativity could flourish.
As her children became adults, she continued to pursue her passion for helping children recognize their innate value and infinite potential. Together, Kim and Carl, began working for Child Protective Services, as well as a shelter for teen girls. While discovering the immense need for healing, Kim began to focus her work on helping adults address their own childhood trauma and learn to love themselves. Working at several programs, her gift for connecting with others at a deep and meaningful level was undeniable, and a colleague soon asked her if she could create a program specifically designed for sexually abused and traumatized women. Divinely inspired, and with the help of close friends, “Sacred and Treasured” was built; a place where all women could share their stories and safely face their past. Over ten years, it has continued to be an extraordinary resource for the healing and friendship of the many women who have attended, as well as the volunteers, Kim included.
In finding her own voice and letting her light shine, Kim began to explore many other ways to express her truth and beauty. Her countless and wondrous works of art, endless and meticulous photo albums, beautiful letters and writings, live on as a testament to her loved ones of her vulnerability and joy. She used her art to heal herself and to heal others. She loved this quote from Brene Brown. “How do we move information from our head to our heart? How do we take what we know and make it a practice in our lives? The answer is - through our hands. Through Creativity.” She believed our Creator knows how healing it is to create.
Words cannot adequately describe the impact Kim’s life has had on all those fortunate enough to have been touched by her love and presence. With the most open and thoughtful connections, Kim found forever friends at an unheard of pace, and treated them all like family. Deeply grieved and shaken by her passing, her husband, four children, grandchildren, and all her friends and family, remain forever grateful and privileged for the time she has spent pouring her love into all of us, and are forever in her debt. As we follow her example and remember the lessons she has taught us, we honor her legacy, and continue to shine her light upon the world.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday May 11, 2024, at 2:00pm at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, in Salt Lake City.
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Guestbook/Condolences
My dear, sweet, loving, and beautiful friend. I will miss you so much. The memories we shared and made will always bring a smile to my face and be part of my heart. I love you, my May Queen sister.
From the days of Discovery to Surrendered Souls to Beautifully Broken (Sacred and Treasured), and all the dates in between that we shared, gracefully flood my heart as I think of you. The moments of love and wisdom you shared with me and the rest of us will forever be a blessing.
I am so proud to have little pieces of art from your heart all over my desk. You are beautiful and so loved and will forever be missed.
20 years is a long time but went too fast.
I love you Kim and will forever.
I will miss you Kim! You were one of a kind and I’m so sorry you couldn’t continue with all the things you still wanted to do. Thank you for being there for me during my time of need and for being the best coworker ever. I love you! Laura
I never got to meet you in person, but from the messages we exchanged I could tell what a truly wonderful creation you are and will forever be. My heart goes out to your family and friends that are navigating how to live this life without you physically here. But you have impacted so many people and your beautiful soul with continue to live in each one of their hearts, carrying a piece of you with them every day. May your physical body rest easy and your soul live and love forever. Much love for you and your family.
My deepest heartfelt condolences to all her loved ones left behind. Kim was a very special lady. The world was a better place because she was in it, she will be missed.💗🌻
My dear friend Kim-
From the moment we met in the airport bathroom on the way to Brave Girls in Idaho, you took me under your wing. You gave so much love to so many people, including me.
I will forever treasure our float down the river at Symposium. You taught me to just do it and feel the feelings. Today, as you are honored, I am crying as I prep my art - because you taught me art is healing.
My love goes out to your children and grandchildren and Carl. Annie
Kim!! I was only in your presence a mere sprinkle of times, but when I was I felt like you knew me and I knew you. That was just your way. You always helped others feel welcome. Thank you. I felt your support and kindness through your touch. You were always so generous with it. Sadly, many will not have that opportunity as you were taken sooner than the rest of us were willing to let you go. This planet will certainly suffer your loss. I will miss you.
Kim, you where an amazing woman, you showed so much love and compassion, you knew when someone just needed to be held, hugged, or even a good talking too (with love), you will be missed.
What a beautiful tribute. Such a shame that the good ones are taken from us so early. You are an absolute treasure. The amount of good you spread through your short life is remarkable. So incredibly grateful for you and for everything you poured out into the world. So glad you are no longer suffering. Hoping you and my mom had a glorious reunion. You both are so missed. Love your guts!
I am so sorry for your loss of your dear Kimberly.
She was a special person. She will be remembered with great love.
May you be blessed with the peace that passes all understanding in the days ahead.
Kim my beautiful friend I will miss you dearly. You helped teach me how to love myself. You always showed up for me with enthusiasm and no judgment. You had a profound impact on my life and I would not be the woman I am today without you. Thank you for the gift of your life and your love. I’ll forever cherish you and try to live my life in a way that honors your impact.