Anna Marie Kirby

ANNA MARIE KIRBY
October 13, 1936 - December 4, 2018

Anna was born in Bakersfield to Bob and Jennie Cauzza. She and her brother John grew up in Buttonwillow where her family farmed. Anna attended local schools and graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1954. She studied at BC before meeting her husband Bob Kirby. Bob and Anna celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary last June. Bobby, their first son, was born in 1960 followed by Phil in 1961 and Jennifer in 1978. Anna always referred to Jennifer as her "surprise miracle baby."

Anna was very proud of her family's Italian heritage and was devoted to her parents. She enjoyed sharing stories of her childhood and passed on many traditions to her family and friends. She was a life-long member of the Italian Heritage Dante Association. In 1993 the Women of Italian Heritage Dante Association selected her Woman of the Year. In 1995 she was elected their president.

You could always depend on Anna. She spent her life doing for others. She never missed any important events or family celebrations. Anna enjoyed taking her mother, "Nonna Jennie" to Lemoore for their monthly "casino" trip. In 2015 Anna and Bob, along with their three children, their spouses and six grandchildren, and several friends enjoyed a week-long cruise to Mexico. In true Anna fashion, she enjoyed every minute spent with those she loved.

Anna's Catholic faith was an important part of her life. As a member of the Italian Catholic Federation and St. Francis Parish, she volunteered throughout the community. Every Monday you would find Anna participating in Adoration of the Eucharist.

Anna is survived by her husband Bob, her children Bobby and wife Melissa, Phil and wife Robi, Jennifer and husband Wayne Chipman; six grandchildren, James and Matthew Kirby, Phillip and Michael Kirby, Joseph and Desiree Chipman; brother and sister-in-law, Johnny and Carla Cauzza; aunt, Edna Fanucchi; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Anna was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Jennie Cauzza; brother, Phillip Gene Cauzza; and uncles, Bruno and his wife Elizabeth Cauzza, and Gino Fanucchi.

There will be a Rosary at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, December 10, 2018 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 900 H Street, Bakersfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Union Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Bobbie McWhorter for her wonderful friendship and the staff at Holistic Care Home for their dedicated attention to Anna's needs. Anna was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be greatly missed.

DOUGHTY-CALHOUN-O'MEARA FUNERAL DIRECTORS