Although Kimber-Lee left us far too soon, the loving impact she left on the hearts of family, friends, and her community will be felt for years to come. Many knew her as Kim, but for the past 19 years, her family knew her as Gram. She fought a tough battle against cancer for the past two years with unwavering strength, courage, prayers, and the love of those around her. Even through the most difficult times, she never lost her infectious smile. Right up until her last days, she continued to worry about and care for the well-being of others, as that was simply the kind of person she was.
Born on February 12th, 1952 in San Francisco, CA, Kim was welcomed into this world by her parents, Francis and Leland Olander, as well as a loving big sister, Helen. Helen and Kim had an unbreakable bond. They were not only sisters, but they were best friends. Francis and Leland brought Kim and Helen to Oakdale, CA in 1966. This would be where both of their daughters would become Oakdale High School alumni, OJUSD employees, as well as, strong women in the community. Kim went on to obtain her B.A. at Sacramento State University. After graduating she returned to Oakdale, worked as a substitute teacher, as well as becoming the first female bartender in Oakdale at the Nutcracker. This is where she started a friendship with her future husband, Dalon, when he would come in for a drink after work, or just to see the beautiful bartender.
Dalon and Kim married on November 22nd, 1975 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Valley Home, CA. It was a small ceremony with close family and friends. They lived in Waterford, CA on a ranch, Kim tended to the home, while helping to raise her two stepsons, Jerrad and Damon. Everyone loved visiting the ranch; whether it was playing in the orchard, riding the Shetland pony George, feeding the pigs, or sitting on the tractor with Uncle D. In March of 1979, Kim and Dalon welcomed their son, Seth; and in 1981 they welcomed their daughter, Kara. That same year, they moved back to Oakdale. Being a mom was Kim’s most important job, and she took great pride in it. Her family was everything to her. Whether it was watching and cheering on her kids’ games, recitals, or going on family vacations; nothing made her heart happier than being with her family. Her family didn’t consist of just her own children; her nieces, nephews, and even family friends always felt like she treated them as if they were her own. She had the biggest heart with enough love for everyone, and you felt it when you were around her.
Kim became the Fair Oaks Elementary School Librarian for seven years while her kids, niece, and nephew attended school there and her sister taught fourth grade there as well. Eventually, Helen took on a teaching job at Oakdale Junior High School, and Kim moved out there to continue as the librarian. Kim worked for OJUSD for 12 years while her children attended all three schools in Oakdale. She retired in 2000 with her sister after the unexpected passing of their mother.
Kim became “Gram” in 2005 to her granddaughter, Kenadee. She then welcomed Wes, Kyeigh, Dakota, Skyler, Olivia, and Izaiah. Gram took on the role as our family’s personal daycare provider, and she was the best. We were fortunate to have a mom that was willing to give up her retired life; and make sure our kids were taken care of by family while we were at work. As the kids got older and all were in school full time, she still took on the role of driving them to school and picking them up because Kara and Jill worked out of town. Her role as a mom never changed. She was there for anything we needed, anytime. She would drop anything and everything for her kids and grandkids. And as they grew older, you could spot Gram and Papa at the soccer fields, football games, volleyball games, dance recitals, basketball games, baseball games, karate classes, flag football games, wrestling matches … anything their grandkids were in … they were there supporting them, cheering them on, and the pride on their faces was always on display. She enjoyed taking her family on vacations to Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and cruises to Mexico. As long as we were all together, it didn’t matter where we went.
Over the years, Kim was a part of the Oakdale Baseball Association, Oakdale Soccer Association (where she served as President of the Club for a few years), the Oakdale Sports Boosters Club, and a member of YLI at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Helping Hands.
Although we were not ready to let her go, God called upon Kim on November 18th, 2024, where she was at home, surrounded by her family. She will be forever missed and loved. She left behind her loving husband, Dalon. Her son, Seth (Jill) Burford, her daughter, Kara (Adolfo) Martinez. Stepsons, Jerrad (Jeannie) Burford and Damon (Jennifer) Burford. Thirteen grandchildren: Alissa Burford-Dabasinskas (Damon), Grace Burford (Jerrad), Kendyl Burford (Damon), Ava Burford (Jerrad), Hunter Burford (Damon), Jaxon Burford (Jerrad), Jerrad Burford, Jr. (Jerrad), Kenadee Martinez (Kara), Wes Burford (Seth), Kyleigh Martinez (Kara), Dakota Burford (Seth), Skyler Burford (Seth), Olivia Martinez (Kara), Izaiah Martinez (Kara) and three great grandchildren JP, Andrew, Audra (Alissa). Her sister Helen (John) Quaccia; and numerous nieces and nephews that she loved as her own.
A Rosary Ceremony will be held at the Oakdale Memorial Chapel (830 W. “F” St. in Oakdale) on December 10th at 5:30 p.m., and a Celebration of her life will be held on December 11th at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (1225 Olive St. in Oakdale). A reception to follow in the church rectory.
Kim was a true one-of-a-kind soul, beautiful inside and out. So many lives young and old were left with a lasting impression. Until we meet again. We love you and 100 more.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to YLI of St. Mary’s Catholic Church or Oakdale High School Sports Boosters Club.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
Nov. 27, 2024
