Cathleen Abers-Kimball

Cathy graduated from Falconer Central School in 1975 and earned her degree in Visual Communication from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 1977. She began her career with the United Methodist Publishing House in Nashville before joining Houghton Mifflin Company in Boston to design educational materials. It was during her time in Boston that she began dating her future husband, Stephen Kimball. They married in 1989 after a long-distance courtship, and Cathy chose to return to rural Chautauqua County, bringing her rising design career with her and becoming a partner in both marriage and the family dairy farm.

Cathy’s role on the farm went far beyond expectations. She helped raise calves, manage payroll, handle finances, and filed federal paperwork for the farm’s transition to organic certification–efforts she continued supporting even after the animals were sold. She also helped build the family’s hilltop home–her dream project–designed with an artist’s vision and surrounded by ever-changing landscapes that became living art through her windows and camera lens.

After nearly a decade as a full-time mother, Cathy elevated her design career in 2000 at United Concepts, LLC, and then launched her own firm, 2nd Look Graphic Design, in 2003. A gifted and original designer, Cathy once said, “Every project is individualized. I do not believe in template design. I feel it is impossible to stand out from the crowd when you ‘look like one of the crowd’.” Her work often incorporated her own photography, a passion that grew from her darkroom days to digital art. She mentored many aspiring artists, especially through Chautauqua Striders, and led the 4-H photography club, nurturing young talent.

Cathy served 20 years on the Falconer Central School Board, including as vice president, advocating fiercely for public education and arts programs. She was a founding force behind many local institutions, including the Chautauqua Safety Village Board, Chautauqua Leadership Network (where she served as secretary and PR Chair), and was an active volunteer with the Downtown Jamestown Development Corp., Ross Grange, and Kennedy Pride, which worked on community projects for the benefit of Kennedy. She served as the President of the Audubon Nature Photography Club for 4 years. She also co-chaired the Falconer Fund Grant Committee through the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

Throughout her life, her faith was her anchor. As a member of Kennedy United Methodist Church, Cathy served as Financial Secretary, Sunday School Teacher, Youth Group Advisor, Worship Leader, and newsletter editor–offering countless hours of service through her creative gifts. She was also the exclusive visual branding force behind Abers Acres and contributed to events like the Kennedy Strawberry Festival.

Cathy’s legacy lives on through her children’s careers in the arts, technology, and social sciences–each shaped by her influence. Her endless creativity, humble leadership, and dedication to community left an imprint on every life she touched. She gave generously of her time and talents, often without recognition, answering every call to lead and serve.

Cathy is survived by her husband of 36 years, Stephen Kimball; five children, Jeannine Cutting (Davis), Anessa Kimball (grandson Marcus), Ruby Kimball (Emily), Jacob Kimball (Yvonne), and Colleen Kimball (Brandon); her mother Elsie VanHise; step-mother Sandy Abers; siblings John Abers (Susan), Brenda Abers Curley (Christopher), and Diana Cheney (Dave); and brother-in-law Melvin Lindquist. She was preceded in death by her father Ross Abers, sister Laurie Lindquist, step-father Dick VanHise, and brother-in-law Mike Bennett.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday in the Falconer Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday in the Kennedy United Methodist Church. Pastor Jennifer Delahoy will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be donated to the Kennedy United Methodist Church or Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care.

Visit our website at www.falconerfuneralhome.net to send a message of condolence.