Kimberly Caroline Skavaril (Box)

Kim Skavaril Box passed away peacefully at her home on October 27th. She was born in Columbus, Ohio, on June 7, 1961. After graduating high school, she attended Ohio State University before moving to Los Angeles in 1981 to continue her studies at UCLA where she received her undergraduate degree. She later received a master's degree at USC.

Kim was a compassionate licensed clinical social worker whose vision and dedication touched countless lives. At Kaiser Permanente, she built lasting connections, mentored others, and pioneered mindfulness and mental health programs ahead of her time. Her generosity and lasting impact will always be remembered. Her warmth and curiosity always drew people in—whether on nature hikes, bird-watching trips, Oscar viewing parties, yoga retreats, or at concerts and gatherings with friends. She also had a passion for Hollywood and its history and loved discussing "Hollywood gossip."

A lifelong lover of music, particularly modern jazz, Kim found rhythm and inspiration in the world around her. She was also a voracious reader and devoted film buff, especially fond of classic film noir. Each December, she delighted friends with her annual “book list,” mailed the old-fashioned way and complete with her thoughtful ratings and notes.

Her passion for history and architecture led her to volunteer as a docent, guiding tours through the historic streets of downtown Los Angeles and sharing her knowledge with enthusiasm to fellow history buffs.

In 2013, Kim met the love of her life, Ray Box. They married at 7 p.m. on 7/7/2017—a date and time they chose with her signature sense of meaning. Ray affectionately called her “The Beautiful Kim Skavaril,” a name that reflected both her spirit and the way she lit up every room. When not on adventures, they spent most of the time at their beautiful home in San Pedro, lovingly referred to as "The Love Shack".

Kim was the eldest of four children. She is survived by her mother, Mary; her sister, Julia; and her brothers, Mike and Greg. She was preceded in death by her father, Russ Skavaril.

The many people who knew and loved Kim will remember her for her intellect, humor, generosity, and the joy she found in life’s details—be it a song, a story, or a shared moment with friends.

In honor of Kim's memory and her deep love of nature, donations may be made to the South Coast Botanic Garden—one of her favorite places. To make a gift in Kim’s name, you may choose either method below:

By Mail: South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274.  Please write “In Memory of Kim Skavaril” in the memo section of the check.

Online:  Visit southcoastbotanicgarden.org, Click on the Menu Bar,  Select Support, Choose Donate Now (orange box), Under “Designation,” choose In Memory of."  In the Comments box, enter In Memory of Kim Skavaril and follow the prompts to complete your donation.  Your generosity will help preserve a place Kim treasured and ensure her legacy continues to flourish among the gardens she loved.