Grandmother, longtime corrections and parole officer

Kimberly Carol Kaufman, a 48-year resident of Claremont, died peacefully on February 1 after a short battle with cancer. She was 71 years old.

Kim was born on December 3, 1953, to parents Glen and Lorraine Kaufman at St. Joseph’s hospital in Denver, Colorado.

She attended All Souls Catholic School in Englewood, Colorado from grades one through eight, and graduated from Arapahoe High School in 1971. In 1975 she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, and a Master of Arts degree from Claremont Graduate University in 1979.

Being the oldest of seven children shaped her personality and contributed to many of her strengths. She was an independent person in both career ambitions and in her private life. At a young age, she spent hours retreating into books and later spent free time amassing a wonderful array of vintage clothes and collectables.

After graduate school she had a son, Zachary Kaufman. She was a committed mother and was able to balance his busy life in school and sports, while also pursuing her professional goals.

She began a career with the California Department of Corrections in 1981. There she successfully developed and facilitated a multidisciplinary arts program at the California Institute for Women in Frontera. She then became a parole officer, retiring as an officer of internal affairs for the California Department of Corrections. “Kim was highly regarded by her peers,” friends shared. “She upheld strict standards within those rigorous and challenging positions. Her qualifications, intelligence, and strong convictions positioned her well to compete for jobs dominated often by men. She enjoyed being a proud mother to Zach, and grandmother to his son Tristan Perez. She was a strong maternal presence in their lives. Kim was committed to maintaining loyal friendships, and those in her fold felt that bond.”

In retirement, she continued her lifelong interests in collecting, reading, baking, and added the practice of yoga to her day. “She embodied the spirit of a strong, independent woman, while maintaining her introspective and creative side,” her friends added. “Kim was a true friend, a rescuer of dogs, and a champion of her belief that life’s obstacles became challenges to overcome. Kim lived life on her terms. She will be missed greatly by friends and family.”

She was predeceased by her parents, Glen and Lorraine, her son Zachary, and her brother Kevin Kaufman.

She is survived by her grandson Tristan Perez, and a large extended family in Colorado, California, and Wyoming.

A celebration of life open house will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at Claremont United Church of Christ’s Louise Robert’s Room, 233 Harrison Ave., Claremont, CA 91711.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to pricelesspetrescue.org in her honor.