PORTSMOUTH — Kimberly Rene DeWester, 55, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026. Born August 7, 1970, in Bloomington, Indiana, she was the beloved daughter of Gary and Anita DeWester.

Kim grew up in Westfield, Indiana, where she graduated as valedictorian of Westfield Washington High School in 1988. She was a natural athlete and a joyful competitor, participating in track, volleyball, softball, and cheerleading.  She was also a proud member of the National Honor Society and represented her school at Indiana Girls State: early signs of her bright mind, strong character, and deep sense of responsibility.

She continued her education at Butler University, earning a BS in Biology in 1992. While at Butler, she was a devoted member of Alpha Phi Sorority, serving as Scholarship Chairman. Kim later attended the Indiana University School of Dentistry before discovering the passion that would shape the rest of her life: advocating for animals.

Kim moved to Virginia to pursue that calling working for PETA and volunteering with numerous animal organizations and sanctuaries. Her compassion was boundless; she cared for every creature, great and small, rescuing bugs rather than harming them.  During her time with PETA, Kim earned her PHR certification and later continued her career in Human Resources, serving with dedication at several organizations.

It was at PETA that Kim met Pete, her longtime partner and closest companion. Together they made a life in Old Town Portsmouth and shared 22 years filled with devotion, laughter, and countless long walks with their beloved dogs. Kim adored all things cute, whimsical, and creative; crafting, collecting, and finding joy in the small, magical details of life. She was a passionate vegan, a lover of country music, especially Faith Hill and Tim McGraw. Her longtime license plate, "F8TH HIL," was a nod to Faith Hill herself, while her favorite song was "Breathe".

Kim's kindness was her defining trait. She met the world with tenderness; toward animals, toward people, toward anyone who needed gentleness. Her compassion was instinctive and wholehearted.

Kim is preceded in death by her father, Gary DeWester; grandparents Lloyd and Laura DeWester, and Del and Antoinette Steinert; her uncle, Larry DeWester; and her cherished dogs Tabbie, Sammie, and Charlee.

She is survived by her devoted partner of 22 years, Peter Raffetto; her mother, Anita DeWester; stepmother, Kim DeWester; sister, Michelle DeWester (Brett Snider); brother, Brett DeWester (Annie Jaeb); uncles Rolland Steinert and Cary (Laurie) DeWester; aunts Janet DeWester (Jack O'Hara), Leanne DeWester, and Nanette DeWester (Mike Stiskel); nephew Townes Michael DeWester; many loving cousins; and dear friends who enriched her life.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 26, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 522 High St., Portsmouth, VA. The family will receive friends one hour prior. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.

To honor Kim's lifelong devotion to animals, the family invites memorial donations to organizations that reflect her compassion and advocacy, including PETA and United Poultry Concerns . Supporting these causes continues the work that brought Kim so much purpose and joy.