"The Secret to Life is to Skip and Dance, It Will Make You Smile"

Kim Marie (Surette) Forte, age 51, of Wilmington, died Monday, February 21, 2011, from injuries sustained in an accident.

Kim was born on January 30, 1960, in Winthrop, MA. She was the cherished daughter of Luella S. (Pevear) and the late Howard Surette of Revere. Kim grew up in East Boston, MA, she attended the Julia Billiart High School in Boston’s North End, graduating as the class Valedictorian in 1978.

Kim married her high school “Sweetheart”, Louis Forte on August 30, 1981, Kim and Lou shared a wonderful life together. They were doting parents to their son Timothy, he was their world and a big reason that she always had that amazing smile. Together they loved to travel, entertain, and spend time with their family and friends. Kim and Lou never spent a day apart in 30 years, they were “soulmates” who truly loved one another unconditionally.

Kim was a hard worker. Since the age of 16 she worked as a dental assistant in East Boston and when she moved to Wilmington in 1983, she took a job as a dental assistant for Dr. Edgerly’s dental office in Wilmington where she worked for many years. She earned her Associates Degree in Math from Middlesex Community College in Bedford and her Bachelor’s Degree in Math from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell Campus. At the time of her death, Kim was working as a Professor of Math at Middlesex Community College and was pursuing her Master’s Degree in Math. Kim loved teaching and was very fond of her students, she was always giving them the support and courage to further their education and better their lives.

Kim loved to exercise and be outdoors, she walked and biked all over Wilmington no matter what the weather was outside. Everyone knew Kim. She would often stop to help someone rake, shovel, or carry in some groceries. She just loved to help others and the streets of Wilmington will never seem the same without passing Kim with that huge smile on her face. Kim was also a regular at RMA fitness where she worked hard and was so kind and friendly, just a pleasure to be around.

Kim will be fondly remembered for her optimistic attitude and her endearing personality. People were drawn to her. She had a soft, kind way about her and a warm smile that would light up a room. Kim had a love for others especially children, she loved to entertain them and just have fun with the kids.

Kim was very devoted to her family, she was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister, and a true friend to many. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for those she loved. Her absence will leave a huge void in their lives but her memory will be with them forever.

Kim’s motto in life was: “The secret to life is to skip and dance, it will make you smile," and those who knew Kim knew she loved to dance. She embraced life to the fullest, and was always smiling. To take a quote from a popular song “When you smile the whole world stops to stare for a while, girl you’re amazing." That describes the Kim everyone knew and holds dear to their hearts.

Kim was the loving wife of Louis J. Forte, devoted mother of Timothy L. Forte, both of Wilmington, cherished daughter of Luella S. (Pevear) and the late Howard Surette of Revere, dear sister of Dwayne Surette & his wife Cathy of East Boston and Sharon Nelson & her husband Michael of Exeter, NH, sister-in-law of Anthony Forte of Florida, Veronica Forte of East Boston, John Forte of Revere, and the late Salvatore Forte, Kim was also the loving aunt of many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Saturday, February 26th at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington at 11:00 a.m. Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, February 25th from 4-9 p.m.

Memorial donations in Kim’s name may be made payable to the MCC Foundation, Inc., with a memo “in memory of Kim Forte” and mailed to: MCC Foundation, P.O. Box 716, Bedford, MA 01730.