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Barbara Kirby Obituary
AGE: 59 • Greensboro, NC
Barbara Carlin Kirby, 59, died Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 10:00 am at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church with Rev. Craven Williams officiating. The family will greet friends following the service in the Haywood Duke room. A private interment will follow.
Barbara was born January 26, 1954, in Morristown, NJ to Hugh and Audrey Carlin. She graduated from Chatham Township High School where she met her future husband, Fred. She graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, with a degree in Horticulture. She married Fred on August 4, 1979 in New Jersey and they have one daughter, Leigh, who was born in Raleigh in 1986. They moved to Greensboro in 1987. While both an active volunteer at Greensboro Day School and the NC Museum of Art, Barbara completed a rigorous training program to serve as a museum docent. For years thereafter she delighted in guiding students and adults through the various art exhibits. She also served on the NCMA's Speaker Bureau. Barbara's creative side was varied and artistic. She liked cooking, gardening, drawing, writing eloquently and making her home a lovely place. She read prolifically. Most importantly, she was a kind, caring and thoughtful person who put the interests of others ahead of her own. She had a natural desire to build people up and encourage them. It made her the happiest when she could make someone else happy. She treated everyone as a friend. She was truly a beautiful person who touched the lives of so many family and friends with her warm smile, kindness and generous nature. It is hard to imagine how much she will be missed.
She was preceded in death by her father, Hugh F. Carlin. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Fred M. Kirby, III; daughter, Leigh C. Kirby of New York, NY; mother, Audrey Carlin of Kent, CT; sister, Adrienne Oliver of Hilo, HI; brothers, Hugh Carlin of Honolulu, HI, Richard Carlin of Green Village, NJ and Glenn Carlin of Kent, CT.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the North Carolina Museum of Art, NCMA Foundation, 4630 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Kirby
Adrienne Carlin Oliver
August 24, 2013
This is just a few words to all those who knew my wonderful sister Barbara. Thank you for your thoughts, reading some of these brought back some of the specialness that was my sister. I miss her every day, her sense of humor, her laugh, her kindness and just being able to hear her sweet voice. You were my angel and I still can not believe you are gone Barbara. Love always your sister Adrienne
Jerry Stanley
June 4, 2013
Barbara always has been and now is, a true Angel. It's not possible to picture Barbara without seeing her beaming smile. My heartfelt condolences go out to Fred and daughter Leigh, the entire Kirby family, and to Barbara's Mom, Mrs. Carlin, sister Adrienne, brothers Hugh, Rick, Glenn and the entire extended Carlin family. I hope that you will take comfort in knowing that a very special Angel is now watching over you. May your hearts and souls find peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Joanne Zaytoun
May 26, 2013
Fred, I only wished I'd come to see you all most especially since I'd moved to Charlotte, but it seemed my timing was never right. Please let me know if I can be of any comfort to you by helping out w/ Leigh once she returns to NYC. I do get there frequently and I know Alexandra and Elena love her dearly as well. God bless and keep you safe. If you need to talk, I'll be here for you.
Fondly,
Joanne
May 25, 2013
Dear Fred and family, Im am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have very fond memories of Barbara since we first met in 8th grade and through High School. She was everyones favorite CTHS Cheeleader and it looks like she lived her life with continued enthusiasm and natural beauty!!!!!
Warm regards, Paula (Ahalt) Patrick
Santa Barbara, Ca.
Linda Schwartz Hedden
May 24, 2013
So sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy to Fred and family. Memories are wonderful so hang on to them. Barbara could always light up a room. God Bless.
Chris Burton Flora
May 23, 2013
While it has been many years since I have seen Barbara and Fred, I will never forget Barbara's wonderful smile and graciousness. With deepest sympathy to Fred and your family.
Angela Faulk
May 23, 2013
Barbara's kindness and generous spirit made her truly unforgettable. She was lovely in every way and will be missed by many. Prayers to her family.
MARTHA KIRBY
May 22, 2013
SADLY, I DID NOT KNOW BARBARA BUT KNOW WE COULD HAVE BECOME FRIENDS...SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I AM SEEKING KIRBY FAMILY HISTORY FOR MY CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN . MY HUSBANDS FAMILY COME FROM THE SMITHFIELD AREA OF NC AND WE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GO BEYOND A JESSE KIRBY WHO LIVED IN SELMA,NC .IF YOU KNOW OF ANYONE IN YOUR FAMILY WHO HAS DONE EXTENSIVE WORK, PLEASE HAVE THEM CONTACT ME IN DURHAM, NC
MARTHA AND J. RAY KIRBY
MARTHA C. KIRBY
May 22, 2013
SADLY, I DID NOT KNOW BARBARA BUT KNOW WE COULD HAVE BECOME FRIENDS...SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I AM SEEKING KIRBY FAMILY HISTORY FOR MY CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN . MY HUSBANDS FAMILY COME FROM THE SMITHFIELD AREA OF NC AND WE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GO BEYOND A JESSE KIRBY WHO LIVED IN SELMA,NC .IF YOU KNOW OF ANYONE IN YOUR FAMILY WHO HAS DONE EXTENSIVE EARLY RESEARCH, PLEASE HAVE THEM CONTACT ME IN DURHAM, NC
MARTHA AND J. RAY KIRBY
Robin Austin
May 22, 2013
Barbara is one of my favorite people in the world. I was fortunate enough to grow up in the house next door to her on Tiffany Place, and babysit Leigh. Barbara will always be amazing to me. I got to help her with some really fun art projects. Oh how she could throw a party! Martha Stewart had nothing on Barbara's Halloween parties. She put details in the details. When I think of Barbara, the word grace seems appropriately fitting. Grace: seemingly effortless beauty, with charm and refinement, with love bestowed freely on others. Maybe it was her attention to detail and her appreciation and love of others that made Barbara always so gracious in words and action. Oh, and modest – Barbara was modest. So incredibly talented and creative, she didn't have a boastful bone in her body. One could learn a lot from knowing Barbara Kirby. I miss her so. I miss her smile, her laugh, her gracious heart. My thoughts and prayers are with Fred and Leigh.
Generose Koeppl
May 22, 2013
Heartfelt Sympathy to Barbara's Family.
I knew her as a docent at NCMA. With her friendly smile she was so kind and thoughtful and with a pleasing sense of humor. She radiated goodness.
May her soul rest in peace.
Generose Koeppl
thomas gensch
May 22, 2013
Barbara, truly made a difference with her caring for others. I was fortunate to have known her and experienced that kindness. The world is truly a better place thanks to Barbara. My Sincere condolences to Fred,and his family. Thomas Gensch
Jen Coon
May 21, 2013
Many people in the Museum's Department of Education remember Barbara with great fondness and appreciation. She seemed to communicate effortlessly and was so gracious in word and action. Her family and friends are in our thoughts.
Cynthia Davis
May 21, 2013
My sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to Rick, Fred and the rest of the Carlin family on the passing of Barbara. She was so beautiful. I can still see her cheering in high school.
Ilona Kusa
May 21, 2013
My heartfelt condolences to Barbara's family. Our paths crossed at NCMA where she was always an enthusiastic, kind and commited docent. It was always a pleasure to exchange ideas with her.
Joanne Zaytoun-Penny
May 20, 2013
Some of my fondest memories include Barbara, Lee, Fred and my girls, Alexandra and Elena. Barbara was the dearest and most generous, not to mention creative friend I've ever had. Even tho we haven't seen each other in too many years, I know she knew I loved her dearly and am so sorry that she suffered so. My love goes out to Fred & Lee.
Donna Helms
May 20, 2013
Barbara was a beautiful,wonderful and strongwilled person didnt matter what was going on she try to enjoy every minute and im looking outside and a tear is sliding down on my cheek...I miss you but i know God needed another angel in heaven. Prayers to Fred and Leigh just remember shes shining down on ya'll now smiling and will be waiting on ya'll
May 20, 2013
Barbara Kirby was such a special and unique person..I looked forward to seeing her every Tuesday. She made my days so special..always positive and putting everyones cares before her own..We shared laughter and good times.. I Miss her so much already..She was definatly a shinning light and will always be remembered.
~ Elaine Rex
May 20, 2013
Kind, beautiful, funny, graceful, smart, generous, and so very thoughtful-- a great lady in every sense of the word. Barbara, I will never forget you or the example you set for all of us. You will be missed at the Museum.
Camille Tewell, NCMA Educator
Hillsborough, NC
May 20, 2013
I knew Barbara (and Fred) back in high school. Not only was she beautiful, she was so sweet and always had a smile on her face. Her life's work in helping others does not surprise me in the least! She had a huge heart and will be missed by all, even those of us who have not seen her in many years. Janet (Schottelkotte) Russell
Mike Timmons
May 20, 2013
My condolences to Fred and family. It sounds like Barbara had a wonderful life.
May 20, 2013
Barbara showed all of us through her actions just what dignity and courage looked like. Her kind spirit and gentle ways will always be remembered. She will always be a beacon of light which brightly shined in our lives.
Kim Watt (Greensboro)
Liz Scott
May 20, 2013
Barbara was such a wonderful person! I always looked forward to seeing her each week at the docent lectures. She was so positive and upbeat, warm and gracious. She truly leaves a gap in all of our lives. I will always remember her and think of her often.
Sylvia Gill
May 19, 2013
I am a docent and volunteer at the NC Museum of Art. I was fortunate to talk with Barbara on April 20,2013 when she attended the Mann wedding in Raleigh. She was a most gracious lady. She was always so positive in her comments about people and events.
May 19, 2013
Barbara. It was wonderful having you in our docent class. You will be truly missed
Sheila routh
NCMA Docent Butts
May 19, 2013
Barbara, your light always shined brightly. Now as we look at the stars, we will remember you!
Lani Parker
May 19, 2013
Barbara...so dear and so sweet. Your spirit lives on in the memory of your many kind smiles and warm hugs. You are remembered as a light - shining so bright and true. You will be missed and always treasured.
Annel Briones
May 19, 2013
Barbara Kirby was a wonderful person, kindhearted and charming to be around. you will always be missed. Annel Briones (greensboro,NC)
Tonya McCulley
May 19, 2013
In loving memory of a wonderful person.I love you Mrs Kirby.It was a pleasure knowing and spending time with you.RIP I KNOW YOU ARE A ANGEL.
Judith Meyers
May 18, 2013
Barbara and I were in the same docent class of 2000 at NCMA. and I am
so sorry to hear about her passing. She was a bright spot as a class mate and friend and she will be missed.
Linda Kimball
May 18, 2013
I am a docent @ the North Carolina Museum of Art & co-chaired the Docent Pallet with Barbara. We had so much fun creating together. I will always remember her grace and kindness. Thank you for sharing her with me. I am profoundly sorry for your loss.
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