Natalie B. Kim

It is with overwhelming grief and broken hearts that we share that our beloved daughter Natalie Kim passed away on October 24, 2023. 

Natalie was born on September 21, 2000 in Wynnewood, PA. We called her our little miracle because she arrived after five long years of trying to start a family. In 2018, Natalie graduated from high school as the Salutatorian from Delaware County Christian School. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at Swarthmore College in Philadelphia. Following a gap year - just two short months ago - Natalie achieved her lifelong goal and matriculated at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine. 

Growing up, Natalie had two passions: music and animals. Just before turning three, she began playing the violin, going on to enthusiastically perform for her entire life. During her high school years, she served as co-concertmaster of the Delaware County Youth Orchestra and in college, after making a change to the viola, was principal viola of the Swarthmore College Orchestra. She also helped form the Chroma Quartet with classmates while at Swarthmore - a group that proudly won the school ensemble competition during their senior year. 

As a 7 year old, with the acquisition of the first family pet - a beta fish - Natalie’s passion for animals was born. Through the years, she cherished and helped care for 4 guinea pigs as well as our Cockapoo of 7 years, Maisy. In high school, Natalie began interning at Radnor Veterinary Hospital. It was there that she confirmed her love of animals and formulated her dream to one day become a veterinarian. Eventually, she would begin work at Town & Country Veterinary Hospital in Media. She worked there throughout her college and gap years - truly making it her home away from home. It was there that she met the veterinary professionals who would eventually become her mentors - always encouraging and nurturing her dreams of attending PennVet and becoming a doctor of veterinary medicine. 

Natalie was a homebody who loved rainy days, drinking tea, crocheting, and spending time with her friends and sister Maggie. But her most precious moments were those spent with her beloved Maisy. Natalie had a quiet and gentle spirit but was also subtle and witty with her one-liners. Everyone who knew her marveled at her diligence, responsible nature, and strong work ethic. She was a Jesus-follower to the core, loving and befriending all, without judgment. In her battle with anxiety, she leaned heavily on God and His provision. There is a sticky note that is still attached to her bathroom mirror which reads, “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Psalm 118:6 

While we know that she is now at peace and fully healed in Jesus’ arms, we still ache for our sweet Natalie. The pain of her absence will never subside and she will be missed for the remainder of our days here on Earth. 

Natalie is survived by her parents, David and Jane Kim; sister, Maggie Kim; grandmother, Happy Kang; grandparents, Chai and Alice Kim; Aunt Susan and Uncle Peter Moon; cousins, Ethan and Noah Moon. 

Friends and community are invited to a memorial service to be held at 10:30am on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Church of the Savior in Wayne, PA. 

To make a gift in Natalie’s memory, please visit:

https://pennvet.pub/nataliekim

or email:

Ms. Hyemi Sevening

Associate Dean of Institutional Advancement

School of Veterinary Medicine

The University of Pennsylvania

sevening@upenn.edu