Kimberly Bruder
Obituary
Kimberly Madeline Bruder (née McConnell), of London, Ontario, passed away on Sunday April 26, 2026, at home surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of strength, generosity, and deep devotion to her family.
Born on April 18, 1966, Kim was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and her family was the center of her world. She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Patrick Bruder, and her children, Mounira Marin (Jeremy Marin), Mikayla Bruder, Taylor Bruder, and Leighanna Bruder. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Mila Marin and Violet Woodward, who brought her immense joy.
Known for her independent spirit, strong will, and remarkable resilience, Kim lived life on her own terms-determined, capable, and always ready for a good time. She found happiness in the outdoors, whether tending to her garden, caring for her chickens, spending time with her two beloved dogs, sitting by a campfire, or quietly watching the sunrise or sunset.
Kim was someone who made room for others. There was always a seat at her table for anyone who needed one, especially during the holidays. Her warmth, openness, and generosity created a sense of belonging for so many beyond her immediate family.
She dedicated much of her career as a Personal Support Worker, spending many years caring for others through her work with London Health Sciences Centre. Her compassion extended far beyond her profession. In 2018, during her first trip to Cambodia with the Rotary Wheels for Learning program, Kim formed a deep connection with the children she was there to support. That experience became a lasting passion, and she went on to help improve lives in rural Cambodia by sponsoring wells, wash areas, and latrines-creating a meaningful and lasting impact on communities in need.
Kim was a provider in every sense of the word-someone who nurtured, protected, and deeply valued her relationships. As reflected in the words of P!nk, “I am brave, I am bruised, I am who I’m meant to be.” These words capture her strength, authenticity, and the way she lived her life.
In her later days, Kim found the greatest comfort in a small circle of love-those who honoured her wishes, respected her space, and walked alongside her with understanding and compassion. She was deeply grateful for the quiet strength and unwavering support of those who stood beside her.
In honour of Kim’s legacy and the causes close to her heart, donations may be made to the Rotary Wheels for Learning Program to support continued work in rural Cambodia: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/199/page/donations
A private celebration of her legacy will be held for immediate family.
She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
Kim:
How do you wrap up over thirty years of memories in just a few sentences? We had some of the best adventures you and I in our younger days, which just seems like yesterday! It was in February, the coldest month, and we were both on a Black Donnelly trend, reading everything about them. We talked for hours about what happened, the devastation, and local folklore about that family. One night, about 1:30 a.m., when the bar was closing, what did we decide to do? Jamie, a friend, drove us out to the Donnelly grave. It was cold, and we definitely were not dressed for the weather, but we didn’t care. Stepping out into the graveyard to find their monument, we were suddenly hit by a gust of wind and a loud bang, and we never ran so fast that night! We laughed all the way home, and in our usual late-night stops, we picked up Wendy’s to end the night. The best was our many talks on the phone, which seemed like hours would go by before we realized we had been talking for two or three hours. I think back now and think, what did we have to say that kept us on the phone that long? Taking Michael and Mournia out for Halloween was a lot of fun, and it was comforting years later when Michael passed that they had such a beautiful connection. We shared secrets and fears, and we laughed as much as we cried. I could always make you laugh really hard. That was my gift; you always tried to be the big sister with your worldly advice. The craziest memory I can remember is you and me in my dad’s Buick Century, which was as big as a bus. We were at the Ridout, parked, waiting for another friend to appear after the bar closed. Then, suddenly so guy ran towards the car and jumped on the hood, and literally got on the hood of the car and ran off, you wearing heels that night, you got out of the car and ran after him! So here I am sitting there thinking she I go after her? You can back limping, not because you were hurt, but because you broke a heel, yelling hey this is my uncle’s car! I never laughed so hard. We were soul mates, so much alike, we were both strong and fierce, and that continued later on in life. We loved each other but didn’t always like each other; it’s a part of growth, I guess. You were there when Michael passed, when I got married, and all the other times in between. You were part of the most intimate times, such as when Michael passed, the hardest moment in my life, I will never forget. You were and are still beautiful in my eyes. I looked up to you and your younger cousin and admired your energy and wit. I cannot say goodbye because those words are so final, and I believe your spirit will live on through your daughters. I know you are with Michael, hoping he jumped out of a box for you when you were reunited. I will never forget that you were my first best friend, and I miss you so much. I love you.
Diane Jamieson and myself will miss your Loving, Caring, and always Truthful Wit. Good Journey♥️🙏🏽
I have the pleasure of knowing Kim her whole life,from the day she was to the very end..She always had a very big smile on her face from day one..Coming from a big family we all had our ups and downs we were always a close family…To Pat and the family you have my deepest condolences…Love Mary Jane Plamondon (cousin)..
My deepest condolences to all of you, she will live on in each of you, her family she loved so much, you couldn’t ask for a better mother and example of strength and love, may she rest in peace♥️
We were privileged to be friends with Kim and Pat after a trip to China in 2014. They were like family after that trip. We had such fun with them at various occasions over the years as Kim loved organizing parties. Her love for her family and friends was unwavering and we loved being in her presence. We will miss that smiling face, her laugh and her wit. RIP my friend. You were loved by a great many people. Don and Marilyn
My cousin was a forced to be reckoned with. And with that force was love, compassion, empathy, intelligence, creativity, and a deep love of her partner and best friend Pat and 4 special young women. She nurtured a family and passed these amazing traits forward to the next generation who are now leaving their stamp on the world. I see Kim in the family she nurtured and through them, her spirit lives on. My only wish is that all of them had more time together. I am so sorry that Kim left this world so young. Take comfort in each other through this heartbreak.
Mikayla and family, my heart and thoughts go out to you and your family at this time. I have been so blessed to have known her. Kim touched so many peoples lives in a beautiful and kind way and I put me at the top of that list. On our trip to Cambodia together, I saw first hand the love she poured out not only to the children of Cambodia but also to the many volunteers involved in this great initiative year after year. I and many other lives have been blessed to have known her. Thank you Kim.
Kim and I met in 1989. She was a great friend during hard times I had during that time. We had great times as single moms and supported each other. We lost touch then reunited. She was always there for anyone who needed her. I was lucky to hang out with her last summer. We talked about our fun times when we were young. She was a fantastic cook and entertainer with her awesome Christmas parties. Our times in Florida were always fun. I wish to send my condolences to her family and her beautiful children. my heart aches for them all. I will never forget our times together.
The world has lost a beautiful soul. I have lost the love of my life. I will love her deeply for the rest of my life. She impacted so many lives with her infectious smile and her fantastic laugh. Ma, thank you for everything
Kim and I met over 20yrs ago, in collage it was an instant click. I have so many wonderful memories with her. I’m just so floored by this. Cancer sucks. I am so sorry to the family my thoughts an prayers are with you all.
Aunt Kim ,
Not only did you bring a smile to my face you taught me so many valuable life lessons. I am forever grateful I got to meet you in person that summer and the memories of our lunch at Chuck’s with all the body guards will always be my favorite. You had a heart of gold . I love you so much .