Nancy Kirwan

Family-Placed Death Notice

KIRWAN, Nancy NANCY OWENS KIRWAN Nancy Owens Kirwan, 60, of Atlanta died in an automobile accident on Friday, September 26. She is survived by her husband, Bruce Kirwan, and their son, Patrick, who is a junior at Miami of Ohio. Nancy was born in Miami, Oklahoma and has one surviving sister, Mary Grisham of Houston, Texas. Since their marriage in 1985 the Kirwans have lived in Ansley Park, which she cherished for its sense of community. The essence of Nancy's life was giving to others. She saw the best in everyone and passionately maintained that people could be better than they ever believed possible. She always gave and never gave up. By the example of her own life, she inspired people suffering from mental illness to realize caring for others can be a healing force in itself. She fervently believed true happiness came not from wealth, power, or celebrity but from helping others. Dr. Kirwan was a clinical psychologist having received her Doctorate of Psychology from the University of Miami. Her undergraduate degree was from the University of New Mexico and she held a Masters in Psychology from Georgia State University. For the past six years of its ten year existence, Nancy served as Executive Director of the Samaritan Counseling Center of Atlanta. The Samaritan Center is a mental health counseling center founded by members and partially funded by the First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta where it is located. Prior to her position at the Center she was in private practice. At the Samaritan Center, Nancy recruited a staff of a dozen psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors who are available for individual and group counseling. She counseled many of the Center's clients personally on a pro bono basis. Nancy initiated a number of programs at the Center for individuals who struggle with difficulties such as depression, cancer, addictions, troubled relationships, loss, and homelessness. Nancy was also a skilled potter whose mostly whimsical works were signed "Lillie Mae." The walls of the room where the Women's Cancer Support Group meets are adorned with ceramic plates she produced in the likeness of members who have died. Nancy also had a strong commitment to involvement in the community, which she inherited from her father, Ben Owens. She served on the Board of Directors of Paideia School in Atlanta and Camp Mishawaka in Minneapolis where she had been a camper and staff member and developed scholarships for underprivileged children. She was a long time member and Elder at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta on Friday, October 3 at 3 pm followed by a reception at the Church. Parking is available across the street. The family will receive visitors Thursday evening from 6 to 8 pm at Patterson's Spring Hill. Contributions in memory of Nancy Kirwan can be made to the Samaritan Counseling Center of Atlanta, 1328 Peachtree Street NE, Suite B-317, Atlanta, Georgia 30309. Online memorials may be posted at www.mem.com