Natalie Kim, a first-year student at Penn’s School of Veterinary Medicine, died on October 24 from complications from a malignant brain tumor. She was 23.

Ms. Kim was born in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. In 2018, she graduated as the salutatorian from Delaware County Christian School, then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Swarthmore College. During her high school years, she was a prolific violinist, serving as co-concertmaster of the Delaware County Youth Orchestra. Then, in college, after making a change to the viola, was principal viola of the Swarthmore College Orchestra and co-founded the Chroma Quartet, which won Swarthmore’s ensemble competition during Ms. Kim’s senior year.

Since getting her first beta fish as a 7-year-old, Ms. Kim had a passion for animals, and she would eventually help care for four guinea pigs and a cockapoo, Maisy. In high school, she interned at Radnor Veterinary Hospital, and while working at Town & Country Veterinary Hospital in Media, Pennsylvania during her gap year, she solidified her interest in helping animals. After taking a gap year, Ms. Kim began as a student at Penn Vet in August 2023.

“Natalie was a homebody who loved rainy days, drinking tea, crocheting, and spending time with her friends and sister Maggie,” said her family in an online tribute. “But her most precious moments were those spent with her beloved Maisy. Natalie had a quiet and gentle spirit but was also subtle and witty with her one-liners. Everyone who knew her marveled at her diligence, responsible nature, and strong work ethic.”

Ms. Kim is survived by her parents, David and Jane Kim; her sister, Maggie Kim; her grandmother, Happy Kang; her grandparents, Chai and Alice Kim; her Aunt Susan and Uncle Peter Moon; and her cousins, Ethan and Noah Moon. A service was held on November 4 at Church of the Savior in Wayne, Pennsylvania.

Donations in Ms. Kim’s memory can be made to the Town & Country Veterinary Hospital in Media at https://www.gofundme.com/f/natalie-kim.