Kathleen Sims

In the words of A.A. Milne, "If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever."

Forever in our hearts, Mary Kathleen (Kathleen) Sims, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on July 15, 2024 in Las Cruces, NM.

Kathleen, 78, was born in Brownsville, TX to Jasper and Mary Agnes Dotson. As a child, Kathleen moved to Santa Fe, NM where she attended Loretto Academy. She moved to Albuquerque during high school and graduated from St. Pius X. She went on to marry and had three daughters. Her love for her family was evident and time spent with her family was her greatest joy.

Kathleen lived in Albuquerque for the majority of her life and worked at the NM Cancer Center for 28 years. She touched the lives of countless people both during her career and in her everyday interactions. She talked to everyone no matter where she was and was genuinely interested in their story. Known for her kind heart and generosity, she had a gift of making people feel seen and important.

Kathleen is survived by daughters Kathleen Aylsworth-Brooks (Tim) and Eileen Klement (Bill) of Las Cruces, NM, Kelly Sims of Lombard, IL, grandchildren Kyle Brooks, Kevin Brooks, and Abigail Klement of Las Cruces, and brother William Dotson (Cheri) of Santa Fe, NM. Kathleen was preceded in death by her father, Jasper Dotson, mother, Mary Agnes Dotson, brother, Gerald Dotson, son-in-law, Russell Aylsworth, and granddaughter, Rachael Klement.

Services for Kathleen Sims will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024 at the Basilica of San Albino, 2280 Calle Principal, Mesilla, NM. A rosary will be held at 10:30 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m., with the Very Rev. Christopher Williams officiating. A graveside burial will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Las Cruces. For those who wish to attend the service virtually, the rosary and mass will be livestreamed at: https://www.facebook.com/getzfuneralhome.

During her time at NM Cancer Center, Kathleen worked as a bone marrow transplant coordinator, helping patients navigate a difficult process during their treatment and care journey. In honor of her passion for helping others, memorial donations can be made to the National Marrow Donor Program at bethematch.org.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the doctors and staff at Mountain View Hospital, staff at Solstice Senior Living, and caregivers from Safari Healthcare Associates who cared for Kathleen during her time in Las Cruces.