Kim Keyes

Patricia Kimberly “Kim” Keyes, 65, of Bellevue, Washington, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, July 25, 2025.

Kim was born on July 1, 1960, in Cumberland, Maryland, to the late Patricia “Patsy” Logsdon Keyes and Robert “Bobby” Keyes. She was raised in Barton, Maryland, and graduated from Valley High School in 1978. Kim earned her undergraduate degree in social work from James Madison University and later completed her master’s degree at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Kim had a resilient spirit. She was a passionate mental health advocate and an accomplished professional in employee assistance and addiction recovery. Kim began her professional career as the Corporate Director of the Employee Assistance Program at Nordstrom. She went on to spend more than 30 years developing and managing employee assistance programs for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Her career at the FAA was a true calling, and she was deeply devoted to public service. One of her favorite quotes was: “I slept and dreamed that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” — Rabindranath Tagore.

A passionate advocate for both people and animals, Kim dedicated much of her life to volunteerism. She was especially fond of shelter animals and cared for her elderly rescue dog, Muff, until his passing.

Kim is survived by her beloved sister, Roberta “Bobbie” James and husband Dick; her nephew, Jonathan James; her niece, Sara-Beth Bittinger and husband Zach, and their children, Lavada and Jonas. She is also survived by her former husband, Tuvi Onuchukwu, and many loving cousins.

She will be dearly missed by her close friends Frank Bischak and Mary Herzner, who provided unwavering support throughout the years. Kim was also embraced by her “surrogate” Seattle family, the late Betty Selman, Sue Selman, and Julie Selman, who welcomed her with open arms and unconditional love.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In accordance with Kim’s wishes, her ashes will be scattered in Puget Sound, Deep Creek Lake, and the Atlantic Ocean.