Kimberly A. Ardolino (Saunders) a life-long Somerville resident passed away peacefully on Friday, May 1st at the Massachusetts General Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was 71. Raised in Somerville, Kimberly was the daughter of the late John and Virginia (Swords) Saunders.
A graduate of Somerville High School, Kim went on to study at Boston University where she was certified as a dental assistant. She worked throughout her career as a dental assistant and office manager. Kim was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. A life-long and active member of the First Congregational Church of Somerville, Kim enjoyed participating in all aspects of parish life and treasured the many relationships she developed over the years. She kept a beautiful and welcoming home for her family, friends and her beloved cats. As her children grew up she made each holiday, especially Christmas, special. She continued these traditions with renewed energy as she welcomed each of her grandchildren. She cherished every opportunity to be with the girls for any occasion, and especially loved to cuddle-up with them to read from special story books. Her yard was decorated and arranged with colorful flowers every year. Kim enjoyed spending summer days at local beaches and even went down the corner on a hot summer’s day to enjoy her “Dilboy dip”. She never missed the opportunity to get a bargain at TJ Maxx, even if it meant visiting a couple locations in single day. She and her husband Jerry enjoyed travelling and often took trips to Las Vegas and Aruba. Aside from the beaches, Aruba is where Kim always took the opportunity to enjoy her first love in life, horses. She enjoyed horseback riding all her life and went, whenever and wherever she could. Her regular visits to Aruba with Jerry were the perfect opportunity for a ride on the beach. She supported the humane care and treatment of those majestic animals by giving to several horse related charities.
The beloved wife of Gerald “Jerry” A. Ardolino, Jr., with whom she shared 48 years of marriage, Kimberly was the devoted mother of Kristen Ardolino, and Marc Ardolino and his wife Jen. She was the loving “Gigi” to Addison and Cameran. Kim also leaves many dear nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit at the Dello Russo Funeral Home on Thursday, May 7th from 4 - 8 PM and again on Friday morning at 9 AM followed by a Funeral Service conducted in the First Congregational Church, 89 College Ave., Somerville, at 10 AM. Services will conclude burial at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kim’s name to Crane Mountain Valley Horse Rescue through their website at https://www.cmvhr.org/donatenow.html or to Skydog Horse Sanctuary, 23823 Malibu Rd. Suite 50, Box 357, Malibu, CA 90265.