July 5, 1969 – July 25, 2022
Kim’s healing journey from cancer came to a peaceful conclusion on July 25th, 2022, at her home near Beausejour with her loving partner, Michael, by her side and their three beloved dogs, Lucy, Loki, and Angel close by – as always.
Kim was born July 5, 1969, and grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was the daughter of Nick and Sandra Talaga who both predeceased her. She was a graduate of St. John’s High School and went on to study professional baking at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
Combining her passion for baking with her love for adventure, Kim moved to Calgary and then several places in BC where she worked at a variety of restaurants and had countless adventures. A kind and generous soul, she made new friends wherever she went, but always had time for those she kept close to her heart. She stressed the importance of listening without judgement, strived to be a better person while helping others discover the best versions of themselves, and never lost sight of the bigger picture believing that focusing on social issues was a key to the wellbeing of mankind.
She was always prepared to share her “wisdom borne of age”, especially to talk about healing and embracing the right way to live – for herself, and for others.
Kim was a free spirit who loved to be surrounded by nature and spent much of her free time exploring mountains, lakes, and trails. Her vibrant energy infused everything she touched, whether it was baking the perfect Schmoo Cake, capturing a sacred moment on camera, or wrapping a loved one in a warm embrace. Kim always left a lasting impression wherever she went with her kindness, generosity, and knack for always giving the best advice to a friend or family member in need.
Kim loved her nieces and nephews deeply and made it a priority to always be there for them in every way possible, offering them a place to always feel safe and loved – unconditionally. She would patiently take the time to teach them to bake while seamlessly adding her own magical style and perfection that made everything she touched uniquely her own. Her beautiful smile and infectious laugh will echo through their hearts, and her precious memory will live on through them and all who she loved.
Kim and Michael had been together as a couple in their teenage years, lived separate lives for several years, but fatefully reconnected again to go on and build a beautiful life with one another. They both realized they were meant to be together, and they also knew they needed to have a home that was surrounded by nature for their shared interest in gardening, hiking, and canning, but also with lots of room for their dogs to play, and where you had the freedom to just go ahead and turn up the music!
She captured it all with so many photos – and as she captured the moments, she captured the memories, but most importantly, she captured Mike’s heart.
Kim is survived by her partner, Michael Gmiterek; brothers Jayson and Christopher Talaga; sisters-in-law Linda Talaga, Kristen Stewart, and Dawn Holyk; brother-in-law Randy Holyk; nieces Araya Stewart and Veronica Holyk; nephews Dax Talaga, Matthew Talaga, Kai Stewart, and Brydon Heisler; along with aunts, uncles and countless cousins near and far who will miss her dearly.
We are deeply grateful to the Palliative Care Team of the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority and the MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) team for all their support, care, and compassion to help Kim conclude her healing journey clearly on her terms for whatever adventure comes next.
If desired, donations can be made in her name, and in her memory, to CancerCare Manitoba.
Family and Friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Kim’s memorial page by using the comment field below.
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