Pamela A. Kirk

Pamela A. (Gustafson) Kirk, 83 of Simsbury, beloved wife and mother, passed away quietly at home in the loving arms of her husband Lee. They were married for over 61 years. She was born in New Britain to the late Carl and Ingaborg (Jacobson) Gustafson. Pam was a prolific and award-winning artist with commissioned works in Water Colors and Oils. In her later years, she mastered the art of Rosemaling, quilting, and other skilled folk crafts. She taught painting at the West Hartford Art League, Tunxis Community College, and Farmington and Simsbury Adult Education. Her unique personality inspired her art students to share her love of art. Her paintings graced the walls of many of the town's buildings, hotels, and banks in Simsbury and Avon. Pam graduated New Britain High School class of 1949 and then went on to attend Hartford School of Fashion. She worked as an illustrator for G. Fox and Co. before moving to Newfoundland with Lee, who was stationed there during the Korean War. It was there they discovered the sport of skiing. Pam and Lee were outdoor enthusiasts, enjoying canoeing, skiing, and hiking throughout New England, with an occasional trip to Europe. Pam skied into her 80's and spent summers enjoying both lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. Pam always had her sketch pad to capture the landscape. Many will remember seeing Pam on the side of fields sketching the local barns and houses throughout the Farmington Valley. Pam was a wonderful cook and devoted mother to three sons: Wayne D. Kirk (Tisha) of Old Lyme, Randal C. Kirk, Sr. (Lona) of Avon, and Gregory S. Kirk of Portland, ME. She is survived by her husband Leon Kirk of Simsbury, her sister Georgia Jakobowski of Newington, Georgia's three sons, The Rev. James Brzezinski (Nancy) of El Paso, TX, Allan Brzezinski (Patricia) of Kensington, and Phil Brzezinski (Janet) of Southbury. Pam has five grandsons, Evan, Randy, Eric, Geoffrey, and Christopher Kirk. Pamela was predeceased by her niece Beverly Brzezinski, her daughter-in-law Leslie Hahn (wife of Gregory), and her brother-in-law David "Jake" Jakobowski. Her family will receive friends at the Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon, on Wednesday, December 17th from 10-11 AM, followed by a celebration of life at 11:00, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org For directions or condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com