Kim Alison (Kuljis) Newell

Kim, beloved mother, grandmother, wife, and friend, passed away February 1, 2023 after a fearless battle with cancer. She was born in Bellingham on November 21, 1954 to Martin and Beverly (Whited) Kuljis and was raised in Fairhaven in a tight-knit Croatian household where family meant everything. She married Dan Newell, whom she met when she was 13, on October 23, 1971. They were married for 51 years.
A lover of Bellingham and its surrounding beauty, Kim particularly enjoyed the beach. She had a unique ability to find agates and heart-shaped rocks. She loved catching and eating fresh Dungeness crab, spending time on the water, and watching the sunset. She especially loved the seasons that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. The way she dressed was second to none. It didn’t matter if she was going to the grocery store, second hand stores, or just going for a ride – if she was leaving the house, then she was dressed to the nines. Kim was larger than life and a woman of many talents and titles including chef, seamstress, caregiver, costume designer, teacher, gardener, mentor, hostess, music lover, and warrior. Above all, nothing was more important to her than the title of mother and grandmother. She cherished her own family while still having an open invitation for others, ready with a meal and unconditional love at all times. Through her journey with cancer, she remained a positive ray of sunshine and continued to inspire others with her joy, creativity, and giant heart. We will cherish and miss her vibrant and energetic soul.
Kim was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Dan; four sons, Brandon (Rachel), Adrian (Nickole), Anthony, and Jesse; two sisters, Kelli Linville (Will) and Kerri Kuljis (Bill); seven grandchildren, Savannah, Zander, Easton, Ashden, Fisher, Faith, and Kaylee; and numerous extended family members and friends.
A celebration of Kim’s life will be held on Saturday, April 8 at 2pm at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal (355 Harris Ave., Bellingham).
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Kim’s honor towards her granddaughter Faith’s battle with CF. https://fightcf.cff.org/site/TR/GreatStrides/132_Washington_Seattle?team_id=122705&pg=team&fr_id=9741