Kimberly A. Goodrich of Portland, passed away January 30, beside her two sons, after a strenuous, second battle with cancer. Previously, she miraculously overcame complications following surgery in 2021. She will be deeply missed; please cherish the memories, and be inspired by her courage.

Growing up in Little Falls, Gorham, she enjoyed swimming with friends at the covered bridge, snowmobiling around Dagle’s field, and cheerleading as head captain throughout High School. Kimberly loved singing and dancing, Elton John concerts, and driving around her grandmother’s ’67 GTO. She also enjoyed reading and piano.

Kimberly attended USM, studying Education. She payed her way through college working at SD Warren, where she met Robert Plourde, from Munjoy Hill. After graduating, Kimberly landed the perfect job at Lyman Elementary. Newly married, the couple soon welcomed baby Benjamin. Second son Lucas followed; both were blessings. After moving into the dream house they had built in Scarborough, Kimberly had everything she wanted.

Her teaching career blossomed. Every year, “Mrs. Plourde” welcomed each new 4th grader with open arms. They fought over who pulled off her winter boots after recess, when she read to them in her rocking chair. The girls lined up to get their hair braided. If someone misbehaved, she was stern, but never raised her voice. She loved teaching about Ancient Egypt. She chaperoned on field trips. Mrs. Plourde was many students’ favorite teacher.

At home, her boys helped in the kitchen, husking corn or taste testing cookie dough. She helped them study spelling words at the bus stop. Summers were filled with sunny days at Pine Point Beach. Friday nights meant Gorham House of Pizza. Kimberly also made time for craft-fairing with her mother and sister Bo.

Kimberly’s mid-life was a whirlwind, but she persevered, focusing on her career and remaining strong for her boys. They had lots of friends over, keeping her entertained, but when the phrase “Party at Plourde’s” emerged, she put her foot down. Her oldest son went off to college in Chicago, and she enjoyed visiting.

Kimberly moved to a beautiful house on Baxter Boulevard with her two cats, Baxter and Bailey. She began gardening; plants and flowers sat by every window inside as well. The walls were an array of pictures and artwork. Shelves held old Bibles and photo albums. Many agree she was an excellent interior designer.

After Bailey passed, fluffy white Baxter, referred to as her “little old man,” kept her company, and laughing. Her boys loved to come visit for turkey pie and Scrabble. Friends stopped by for coffee and conversation. She fed peanuts to the squirrels and chipmunks. Kimberly loved being at home.

Her house was always open - anyone that needed a place to stay, was welcome. Life-long friendships lasted because of mutual love and respect. She made a huge impact throughout her teaching career, many ex-students kept in contact. Most importantly, Kimberly’s boys were her everything.

She cheered for them at games, helped with school projects, and amidst hardships, even took them on a cruise in the Bahamas. “Mum,” as they called her, supported them in all their endeavors, for which they are grateful. She welcomed them into the world with a heart full of joy, loved them unconditionally, and they loved her the same.

Kimberly is predeceased by father Richard Bickford, survived by two sons, Ben and Luke Plourde, granddaughter-figure Availia Brady, sister Jodie Boisvert and husband Peter, stepfather Gailen Lyons and sons Scott and Todd, and proud mother Sandy Lyons - proud of the mother and teacher she became. Proud of the loving, caring, humble person she was, truly beautiful inside and out. She was a role model for loving life, always smiling, and had no regrets.

May God welcome her in Heaven as the angel we all knew and loved on earth.

Services will be private.