Kimberly A. Boyajian

The communities of Brookfield and East Troy mourn the loss of a beloved woman whose presence illuminated the lives of all fortunate enough to know her. On March 26, 1969, Kimberly Ann Boyajian (née Acker) entered this world, and on November 10th, 2023, she departed, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and cherished memories.

Kimberly, who went by “Kim”, was born to Kenneth and Ruth Ann Acker, and grew up in East Troy, where she could often be found riding horses.  She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside in 1996 with degrees from the Departments of Sociology and Anthropology and went on to earn a Master of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Department of Anthropology.  Kim’s preliminary master’s thesis research took her to Nigeria in 2001, and then on to Brooklyn, New York from 2002-2003 where she conducted fieldwork and related studies.  Kim eventually returned to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside where she taught classes in the Departments of Sociology and Anthropology from 2003-20011.

In 1996, Kim found her soulmate in Paul Boyajian. Together, they built a life full of joy, laughter, and unwavering support for one another. She was a loving and caring mother to Liam and Elle Boyajian, imparting wisdom, values, and an enduring sense of family.  Among her friends, family, and colleagues, Kimberly was known for her straightforward and honest opinions, her love of animals (especially her dogs), and her passion for fitness, hiking trails, Adam Sandler movies, music, laughing, and gardening.

Kim’s vibrant spirit and warmth endeared her to everyone she encountered. Her friends remember her as someone who offered them her unwavering support, heart-felt encouragement and honest opinions. She had the steadfast tenacity to finish whatever she started and would often share this resolve with others by advising them to “Just Do It.” In the face of this six-year battle with Sarcoma Cancer, Kim remained resilient, facing adversity with grace and courage. Her positive outlook and determination inspired those around her.

Kim is survived by her best friend and loving husband Paul, their son Liam and daughter Elle, her brother Pete (Sue), Sister-In-Law Barb (Tritz) Acker, her Mother-In-Law Rose Boyajian (Larry Ruby) and her many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and friends.  Kim’s departure leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to share in her journey.  As we grieve the loss of a dear woman, let us also celebrate a life well-lived and the impact she had on our community.

The celebration of life for Kimberly (Acker) Boyajian will be held at Lapham Peak, Delafield, WI, on December 3, 2023 between 11-2. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Elmbrook Humane Society.

May Kim’s loved ones find solace in the cherished memories that will forever remain in their hearts.