Kathy L. Sims, 69, of Charles Town, WV passed away peacefully in her home on November 12, 2022. Kathy was born on August 25, 1953 in Elkins, WV to Kenneth H. and Yolanda Colabrese Sims.

Kathy moved through life joyously, with endless love for her family, friends, and colleagues. She is preceded in death by her parents and younger brother, Kenny. Kathy is survived by her beloved, Mike, Bett, Barbara, Bill, Nancy, Greta, Matt, Chloe, Caleb, Carrie, Kahlil, Ray, Stan, many cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and close friends. Her loving pup, Penny, was a great companion and source of comfort in her final years.

Kathy's adventurous and social spirit was evident in youth. Her childhood devotion to Paul McCartney and the Beatles grew throughout her life. As a teenager, she was a lifeguard, Youth Conservation Corps Leader, cheerleader, and student government representative. She graduated from Charles Town Senior High in 1971 and enrolled at West Virginia University.

After graduating with a M.S. in Rehab Counseling from West Virginia University (WVU), Kathy started her first job at her alma mater, as a Career Counselor, kick-starting a 42-year journey in the Career Services field.

Kathy remained at WVU for three and a half years before accepting a position as the Assistant Director of Career Services at Bowling Green State University. Kathy then became the Executive Director of the Career Center at George Washington University in Washington, DC, serving in this role for 14 years. From 1994 until her retirement in 2014, Kathy was the Director of the Career Center at The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Kathy was extensively involved in several associations related to the Career Services profession, through which she made many lifelong friends. She held positions on the Board of Directors for the former Middle Atlantic Placement Association (MAPA), and was a Past President, Board Member, and active member of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Deemed a "Career Services Pioneer," Kathy was a sought after public speaker and mentor. She specialized in international consulting, college recruitment strategies, product development, executive coaching, brand management, and building strategic alliances.

Kathy loved to travel whenever the opportunity arose, with or without companions. Her favorite trips were to Italy where she reconnected with family.

Upon retirement, Kathy returned to her home among the hills. She enjoyed hosting loved ones, spending time by the pool, cheering for WVU sports, traveling, and relishing her role as "KiKi" to Maeve, Otto, and Avila. She valiantly fought her battle with cancer and continues to inspire all who knew her. Kathy was never dying of cancer, but living in spite of it.

We will celebrate Kathy on December 3rd from 1-3 pm at the Education Center of Hospice of the Panhandle 330 Hospice Lane Kearneysville, WV 25430

Please consider donations in Kathy's name to: Hospice of the Panhandle: 330 Hospice Lane Kearneysville, WV 25430 https://www.hospiceotp.org ; Jefferson County Animal Welfare Society: 23 Poor Farm Rd Kearneysville, WV 25430 https://www.awsjc.org ; Project Kuro:  2149 Cascade Avenue #106A  PMB 145  Hood River, OR 97031 https://www.projectkoru.org