Mary Ashby Kimball

Mary Ashby “Abby” Kimball

Abby Kimball passed away peacefully in her home in Port Townsend on December 13, 2024, after a courageous five-month battle with lung cancer. She was surrounded by the love of her husband, Dan Kimball, her minister, and the compassionate care of Hospice of Jefferson County. 

Abby was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, to Mollie and Jack Pamplin. Her early years were spent on various Pacific islands, where her father served as a CIA operative. Abby’s first spoken words were in Japanese, reflecting her unique upbringing. The family also lived in Germany before settling in Virginia, first near Williamsburg and later in Falls Church.

After high school, Abby followed her first husband on adventures through Alabama and Texas, traveling by motorcycle. Following their divorce, she returned to northern Virginia, where she began a career as a paralegal. She later married a lawyer and welcomed her beloved daughter, Irina Louise (Ruden) Greenman, who became the center of her life.

As Irina grew, Abby returned to school, earning a degree in Horticulture. She worked for the Fairfax County Extension Service, later becoming Director of the Horticultural Research Institute with the American Nursery and Landscaping Association.

Later her final professional role was as a fundraiser for the American Horticultural Society, where her passion for plants and people converged.

In 1999, Abby met Dan Kimball, and the two were soon engaged. After her mother’s passing, Abby and Dan divided their time between Arlington and their home in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. They shared a love of dogs and baseball, purchasing season tickets to the Washington Nationals’ games.

During a working trip to British Columbia, Abby fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. In December 2007, Abby, Dan, and their champagne-colored standard poodle, Bridget, drove cross-country to make Port Townsend their home. Abby quickly became a vibrant member of the community, joining local organizations, making countless friends, and immersing herself in the natural beauty of the region. She would love walking on the beach or in the state parks with her constant companion, her little black poodle, Pitou.

Abby had a gift for bringing beauty to the world. She would play the piano at any request, filling rooms with music and joy. Her warmth and boundless passion left an indelible mark on everyone she met. Abby was justifiably proud of two things. One was her uninterrupted 35 years as a Friend of Bill and walking the entire 500-mile Camino de Santiago. 

Abby is survived by her devoted husband, Dan Kimball, her daughter Irina Greenman (Woodbridge, VA), her stepdaughter Cecilly Healy (Charlottesville, VA), and her stepsons Sean Kimball (Reston, VA) and Chris Kimball (San Diego, CA). She also leaves behind her cherished step-grandsons, Jackson and Colton Kimball, of San Diego.

Abby’s spirit will forever live in the winds and trees of Kala Point, and in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A Celebration of Abby’s life will take place at the Kala Point Club House at 2 pm on Feb. 21. Per Abby’s request, an Ice Cream Social will follow the service.

Family and friends are invited to share memories of Abby and sign the online guestbook.