Kimberly K. Pantoja

Kimberly K. Pantoja (nee Bridgeman), age 65 of Joliet, passed away unexpectedly while traveling in Oklahoma on April 4, 2025. She was born to Donald Bridgeman and Mary Minor (nee Bennet) in Joliet, IL on March 5, 1960.

Kimberly met her husband Andy while the two were employed at their local IHOP. They married in 1976 and went on to raise their three sons in Joliet. Kim was the quintessential baseball mom. She spent so much of her time shuttling her boys, and their friends and teammates, back and forth to practices and games. She was a vocal supporter from the stands, and her boys will be forever grateful for her unwavering support of them throughout their lives. She also extended her kindness to the other children in the neighborhood, earning her the title of “Neighborhood Mom”. In her recreational time, Kim loved to vacation and travel. She relished the excitement of a night at the casino, rooting on the slot machines for a winner as she had rooted on her boys for wins when they were younger. Her boys were unquestionably her life, until her grandchildren were born. Then, they quickly stole the spotlight of her love and held onto it until her last day.

She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Sophia Pantoja; her mother Phyllis Bridgeman; her father-in-law Wilfredo Pantoja, and her brother-in-law Wilfredo Pantoja Jr.

Kim is survived by her devoted husband of forty-nine years Andres “Andy” Pantoja; her loving sons Michael Pantoja, Daniel (Rosanna) Pantoja, and David (Angela) Pantoja; granddaughters Yasmin (Zach) Pantoja, Celeste Pantoja, Danyelle Pantoja, Yanelle Saldaña, Mariah Pantoja, Sabrina Pantoja, Aaliyah Pantoja, and Lydia Pantoja; and her grandson David Pantoja II. Extended family members, friends, and other loved ones too numerous to list also survive.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Sunday April 13, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a Chapel Service at 7:00 pm including a “Sharing of Memories” opportunity for all guests in attendance at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Rd. Joliet, IL 60435. Following the Visitation, cremation rites will be accorded and Kim’s Earthly remains will be held in the loving protection of her husband and family.