Kimberley Sankey Martinez

Kimberley Sankey Martinez, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed
away on July 25, 2025, at the age of 63, after a courageous thirteen-year journey with
Alzheimer’s Disease. Born on April 1, 1962, in Columbus, Ohio, Kim spent her formative
years in Denver, Colorado, where her innate intelligence, determination, and kindness
first began to shine.

From a young age, Kim distinguished herself as an exceptional student and athlete. Her
talents in the pool led her to set a state swimming record in high school, a testament to
her discipline and tenacity.

Kim’s academic talent led her to Stanford University, where she earned both her
undergraduate degree and her MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Her passion for learning extended beyond the classroom; as a bilingual scholar, Kim
spent part of her college years studying and working in Germany, embracing new
cultures and experiences.

She embarked on a career in finance, first in investment banking and later in investment
management, where her sharp mind and steady leadership inspired colleagues and
clients alike. It was at Barclays Global Investors in San Francisco that she met her life
partner, John. Together, they built a partnership rooted in shared values—devotion to
family, commitment to health and fitness, and a joyful appreciation for life’s lighter
moments.

In 1997, Kim made the profound decision to step away from her professional career to
focus on building her family. She was a kind and nurturing mother, engaging her young
children in a myriad of enriching activities. An avid piano player, she filled the house
with music ranging from classical and ragtime to the score from Harry Potter. As an
April Fool’s Day child, her birthdays were celebrated with practical jokes including short-
sheeted beds and frozen underwear.

Even as she dedicated herself to raising Alex, Miles, and Tara, her sense of purpose
and community never waned. Kim volunteered with Kid’s Turn, a non-profit dedicated to
supporting children through the challenges of divorce. Her leadership and vision quickly
elevated her to Chairman of the Board, where she guided the organization’s growth,
curriculum development, and fundraising efforts, with a compassionate heart and
strategic mind.

As her children entered elementary school, Kim continued her legacy of service by
volunteering at their school. She eventually joined the Board of Directors, where her
expertise in finance helped steward the school through the uncertainties of the global
financial crisis, always placing the well-being of students and families at the forefront.

Kim’s journey with Alzheimer’s was met with extraordinary grace, courage, and
resilience. Supported by her loving family, friends, and community, she continued to
inspire those around her with her spirit and warmth. She is survived by her devoted
husband John; her cherished children, Alex, Miles, and Tara; her father, Noel; and her
brothers, Kevin and Colin.

Kim will be remembered for her omnipresent smile, spontaneous laughter, crinkle in her
nose and twinkle in her eyes, along with her intellect, generosity, boundless energy, and
the profound love she shared with all who knew her. Though she is no longer with us,
her legacy of kindness, leadership, and compassion will continue to live on in the hearts
of her family and all whose lives she touched.

To plant a tree in memory of Kimberley Sankey Martinez, please visit our Tribute Store.