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Mildred Kirby Obituary
ITHACA - Mildred R. Kirby, 91, of Ithaca, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2008, at Clare Bridge Cottage, Ithaca. Born December 14, 1916 in Lafayette, IN, she was the daughter of the late John W. and Fannie Bowyer Runkle.
A 1935 graduate of Cortland High School, Mildred also graduated from the Binghamton City Hospital School of Nursing in 1938. She became a Registered Nurse, and worked for many years at Cornell University's Sage Infirmary.
She was a longtime member of St. John's Episcopal Church, and devoted many years to the Kitchen Cupboard and other organizations. She always loved to travel, and she enjoyed needlecrafts, pinochle, and flowers of all kinds.
Mildred is survived by her children, Marilyn Jean (Jack) Allen of Salem, SC, James A. (Cordelia) Kirby of Parker, CO, and Jeffrey B. (Reenie) Kirby of Dryden, NY; grandchildren, Alicia (Rick) Cobb, Brian (Nelly) Allen, Heather (Steve) Deal, Brett Kirby, Andrea (Bob) Hagberg, and Adam Kirby; daughter-in-law, Martha Kirby; five great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Beverly Dawson; and four nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Mildred was also predeceased by her devoted husband, William G. Kirby; eldest son, Edward P. Kirby; brothers, Leonard and Donald Runkle; and brother-in-law, Jerry Dawson.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 22nd, at St. John's Episcopal Church, Rev. Philip Snyder officiating. Burial will follow in East Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Mildred's honor to either Brookdale Senior Living, c/o Clare Bridge of Ithaca, attn: Julie Prentice, 101 Bundy Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, or to Hospicare, 172 East King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. The family is being assisted by the E.C. Wagner Funeral Home of Ithaca. www.ecwagnerfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mildred Kirby
Alicia Cobb
November 12, 2008
Dear Grandma,
You will always be special to me and all the memories I will hold dearly. Your kindness and giving heart was always present and you taught me how to appreciate the things in life we tend to take for granted. I love you Grandma and you will will be in my thoughts forever.
Your grand-daughter,Alicia
Brian Allen
November 9, 2008
My Grandma Kirby,
She was an exceptionally caring and loving grandmother. She always would have a smile on her face every time I came to visit, and of course, a deliciously prepared blueberry pie waiting on the counter. I will miss her dearly and I will hold her memory with me forever.
Love,
"Her Grandson" Brian Allen
Shirley J. Herson
October 27, 2008
Dear Kirby family, I am so sorry to learn of Mildred's passing. One very bright light at St. John's church will be gone now. I enjoyed Mildred so much and have been involved at St John's on many projects with her. She was certainly one of St John"s leading ladies! I worked on the dinners and lunches with her and also the food giveaway. She was a joy to be around. I will truly miss my dear Mildred. Shirley J. Herson
Julie Prentice
October 22, 2008
Dear Kirby Family,
It was an honor and a true pleasure in taking care of Mrs. Kirby and getting to know her family. She was one of the sweetest and kindest ladies I have taken care of in my nursing career. I will miss her smile and the twinkle in her eyes.. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerly, Julie Prentice
Val VanAmburg
October 22, 2008
Jeff and Reenie. I am thankful for the time that I was able to spend with Mildred. Mildred's smile always brightened up the room. I will always remember the way she would pat my hand and tell me it , "It will be alright". Mildreds love of sweets and crossword puzzles will always be with me. Thank you for allowing us at Clare Bridge the honor of caring and loving your mom. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen,Fritz, Blake and Lance Mielke
October 20, 2008
Dear Marilyn, Jim, Jeff and families,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of a truly kind and loving lady. There are countless wonderful memories that come to mind when I think of your mother. First and foremost, she was my favorite Aunt. She and Uncle Bill were a mainstay at all family get - togethers. Her smile and her warm personality will be truly missed. As a little girl, I remember that she always gave the very best birthday and Christmas gifts!! Even though I have been away from Ithaca for years now, no visit would be complete without seeing Aunt Mildred.
I pray that you will be comforted in your loss, and trust that Aunt Mildred and Uncle Bill are a couple again in heaven.
Our love to you all,
Stacy Warne
October 18, 2008
I am very sorry to hear of this loss. My prayers and wishes go out to Mildred's family. She was a wonderful loving and caring woman. I took care of Milly at Clare Bridge Cottage and she was one of my favorite residents there. She had a beautiful smile and warming touch that was felt by everyone there in her presence.
Deb McGuane
October 18, 2008
Jeff and Reenie, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, I took care of your mom at clarebridge, She was one of the first folks i got to know and is one of the reasons i stayed there and am still there. she was wonderful and warm and i enjoyed the time i got to spend chatting with her about her family and past, as well did nicky my daughter and volunteer at clarebridge thank you for sharing your mom with us, we loved her! Mornings just wont be the same with out seeing mildreds smiling face come down the hallway. god bless
Joan Peters Van Inwagen
October 18, 2008
Your parents were neighbors on Cobb St. Your Dad and my Dad worked at NYSEG at the same time. I don't know if you remember the Peters family. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Ruthie Schaeffer
October 18, 2008
Marilyn, Jim and Jeff.........In this sad time, it's special to hear from friends and family. Your mom was a warm, happy and competent woman whom I admired. Your family lived across the road from us in Danby, and I remember many times playing together. My best to all of you.
Ruthie Thayer Schaeffer
DeEtte Drake
October 18, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Mrs. Kirby was a very sweet and special lady. I'm glad to have known her.
Frank Scaglione
October 18, 2008
Jim,
Sorry for your loss, I remember your mom from old Fall Creek Days.
Elaine McIntyre Perry
October 18, 2008
Jeff and Reenie. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I hope everything else in your lives is going well.
Tiffany
October 17, 2008
I'm very sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady. She will be missed. I took care of her at c b.
Steve & Jean Oltz
October 17, 2008
Jeff and family,
We were very sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. What a sweet woman she was. We had alot of respect for her in all she did in her life time. If there is anything we can do please let us know. You are in our thoughts.
Steve Oltz
October 16, 2008
Jeff, I'm glad that I was able to get pictures of all your family together.
margaret
October 16, 2008
your mother was a very sweet lady she will be missed and she had a great smile .i took care of her at cb
Charles Schwartz
October 16, 2008
Jeff: Sorry to learn of your mother's death.. I remember her well.Thankful for God's in your time of sorrow.
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