HOLLIS- Kim Elizabeth McDonough, 59, was granted her angel wings on September 4th, 2021, with her children by her side.
Kim was born on October 30th, 1961, in Winchester, MA. She graduated from Our Lady of Nazareth Academy in 1979; she then completed her bachelor’s degree at UMass Boston. Being the determined woman she was, she received her master’s degree in social work from Salem State University in 1996, all while raising her five children, and working full-time as a phlebotomist. Kim was the proud owner of her own practice as an LCSW and was beloved by her clients.
Kim is predeceased by her parents Daniel & Catherine Wandell, her brother Daniel Wandell Jr., her husband Scott Libby, and brother-in-law Billy Landry.
Devoted mother of Erin McDonough and husband Shawn Hysette of Danville, NH, Patrick McDonough of Portland, ME, Jack McDonough, and wife Amanda of Portland, ME, Kevin McDonough, and wife Alyssa of Gray, ME, and Meaghan Gregg and husband Thomas of Yuma, AZ. Loving grandmother of Devin, Cori, Camden, McQuette, Emma, Abigael, Brady, Brody, and Emmitt. She was the dear sister of Susan Landry, Joan Wandell, Nancy Brothers, Kathy Mireault, and Michael Wandell.
As a child Kim was known for athletic ability and was always a fierce protector of her siblings. She came from a large but close family. She won the Wilmington Marathon and had never trained for the event; shortly after crossing the finish line she collapsed with cramps, she never raced competitively before or after. She also played for the Ragdolls ice hockey team as a teenager, and some of her fondest memories were of travelling to Canada to play, and her “lucky stick” bought by Betty Wandell at Building 19.
After graduating with Master’s in social work Kim moved to Maine with her young children. She steadily built a robust practice providing her clients with excellent care and support. She balanced building a career while still attending hockey games, football games, wrestling matches, and cheerleading competitions. Her work ethic was truly something to be admired. She will be greatly missed by many clients that have been with her since the start of her practice.
Kim’s children have many childhood memories. She loved to take them fishing. She actively participated in collecting baseball and hockey cards with her kids. Kim was an enthusiastic sports fan. She loved watching the Bruins, Patriots and Red Sox. As much as she loved watching professional sports she loved watching her children participate in sports even more. She could be seen and heard in the stands at the high school events cheering her children on, as well as cursing out the referees for all the unfair calls on her boys; big or small, real or not. She truly believed her children were the best of the best. In Kim’s eyes Erin was a world-class runner, Patrick belonged in the NFL, Jack had the patience and caring equal to Ghandi, Kevin belonged in the NHL, instead answered the call to be a Hero to defend our country, and Meg was her angel, her baby. She spent countless hours transporting her son Kevin to hockey events. She traveled all over the country for cheerleading competitions. She took so much pride in her children’s athletics, and truly believed in each of them.
Having five children led to having nine grandchildren. While Devin and Cori were growing up (her oldest grandchildren) they spent many nights having sleepovers and sometimes eating candy for breakfast. She loved to take the kids to lunch, shopping and out to the movies. She brought a number of the kids on a cruise last year to build lifelong memories as a family. Every Saturday, for the last six years, she faithfully picked up McQuette, and always made sure she got to see her Dad. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren.
Kim was not just a mom and a social worker. She was also a wild woman that enjoyed hitting the casinos, cruising through the Caribbean, and attending concerts, including day long Ozfest shows. She found so much enjoyment in traveling and gambling. She loved trying new restaurants. She was always ready to kick back with a Tito’s cocktail while eating great food, especially Chinese food. Most of all she loved to do these things with her friends and her family.
Kim is survived by her cat, Bubblegum. Bubblegum will be adopted by a feline-friendly family member. She loved her cats like they were her children. Her two beloved cats Yoda and Paws will be waiting for her in heaven.
Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, September 11th, from 10 AM – 12 noon at the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service Chapel, 498 Long Plains Road (Rt. 22) in Buxton. A Catholic graveside service will immediately follow at Meeting House Hill Cemetery, Rt. 35, in Hollis. A celebration of life will be held at The Elks Lodge, 1945 Congress St in Portland from 2-5 PM.