Lorna (Duncanson) Kimball, 83, Groveland Teacher, Real Estate Broker

Lorna (Duncanson) Kimball, of Conway, N.H., and Naples, Fla., and formerly of Groveland, passed away on Aug. 27 at the age of 83.

She was born in Teaneck, N.J., on Sept. 3, 1934, the daughter of Geraldine and Earle Duncanson. The oldest of three daughters, Kimball leaves behind, to cherish her memory, her sisters Jean Laskey of Simsbury, Conn., and Nancy Conley of Fredericksburg, Va.

Kimball graduated from St. Cecilia High School in Englewood, N.J., in 1951 and earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire in 1955. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority.

It was at the University of New Hampshire that she met and married Malcolm D. Kimball, her college sweetheart. The marriage lasted 52 years until Mal’s death in 2007.

They had four children, Malcolm D. Kimball Jr. and wife Joanne of Haverhill, Mass.; Laurie Kimball Ranz and her husband Michael of Virginia Beach, Va., and Naples, Fla.; Robert B. Kimball III and his wife Robin of Otisfield, Maine; and Duncan P. Kimball, who predeceased her in 2012. She adored her seven grandchildren, Craig and Chad Kimball, Kelly Ranz and Connie Ranz Willis, Collin and Keegan Kimball and Jessica Kimball.

Kimball taught in the Groveland school system for over 20 years. She was a dedicated and inspirational teacher. She then pursued a real estate career for the next 19 years.

At age 62, as a broker/owner, she purchased a RE/MAX franchise with four other agents. During her real estate career, Kimball received multiple real estate awards, including the RE/MAX 100 percent Club and the RE/MAX Executive Award.

Her many contributions to her community included leadership positions with Pentucket Teacher Association Executive Board, Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, Haverhill Country Club, and the Womens Division Executive Board and the Foxfire Country Club Ladies 18 Hole Executive Board. During her 13-year tenure as a member of the Groveland Housing Authority she served as chairperson from 1980 to 1986, and was instrumental in the development of elderly and handicapped housing in Groveland.

Lorna and Mal cherished their retirement life at Foxfire Golf and Country Club in Naples, where they enjoyed the company of many new and wonderful friends. They would greet friends and family by saying, “Welcome to paradise.”

Kimball led an active lifestyle. She enjoyed water aerobics, pickleball, trivia, downhill skiing, swimming, tennis and was an avid golfer. Of special note, she was one of nine women litigants who fought for and won, the cause for women’s rights and equality in the golf world, paving the way for future women golfers.

She had a special spark for life, enjoying traveling with her husband, friends and family. She loved football, especially the University of New Hampshire Wildcats and the New England Patriots. She was the ultimate cheerleader and always a loyal friend to those in need.

She also left her mark on many a dance floor. She was the ultimate organizer of parties, and dinners, considered by many to be the “hostess with the mostest.” Kimball leaves behind a legacy of friendship, laughter and love. She lived and died “her way.”

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to: Paralyzed Veterans of America, pva.org, or Foxfire Country Club Memorial Fund, 1030 Kings Way, Naples, FL 34104 or a charity of one’s choice in her name. A celebration of life is planned for a future date.