Kimberly A. Oriole, 48

Kimberly A. Oriole, 48, of Ohiopyle, Pa., formerly of Salem, Ohio, died Nov. 26, 2009, after a three-year fight with lung cancer.

 Born July 9, 1961, she is survived by her husband, Scott Bortree, of Ohiopyle; her brother and wife, Tim and Janine Oriole, of Pelham, N.H.: nieces, Brittany Oriole of Oklahoma, and Jordyn Oriole and Shannon Oriole, both of Pelham, N.H.: and many other relatives and friends.

Kim was a very active mountain biker, whitewater paddler and loved her 10 winters skiing at Schweitzer Mountain Resort and living in Sandpoint, Idaho.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Heather Oriole, of neuro-endocrine cancer; and by her father, Richard Oriole.

Never a smoker, Kim was one of about 20,000 non-smokers expected to die from lung cancer every year in the U.S. — a phenomenon that is growing.

Lung cancer in never-smokers is the sixth biggest cancer killer in total — killing about 162,000 smokers, former smokers and non-smokers every year. That’s more than breast, colon, prostrate and pancreatic cancers combined, according to the National Cancer Institute.  Please be aware of your breathing and lung health.

Kim worked as a newspaper reporter for the Dominion Post (Morgantown, W.V.) from 1995 until 2007; The Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, N.C.) from 1987 until 1995; and the Gallup Independent (Gallup, N.M.) from 1984 until 1986. 

Kim graduated cum laude from Kent State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1983, and from Salem High School (Ohio) in 1979. 

She will be cremated and sprinkled in some of her favorite places.

Please send no flowers.

Instead, make donations in her memory to your favorite worthwhile charity. Some of Kim’s favorites are: Doctors Without Borders USA, PO Box 5030, Hagerstown, Md. 21741-5030 or the Salem High School Alumni Association, Athletic Scholarships, 328 E. State St., Salem, OH  44460; or any group you deem worthy.