Grace Elizabeth (Betty) KIRBY

Grace Elizabeth (Betty) KIRBY obituary, Ottawa, ON

Grace Elizabeth (Betty) KIRBY

Grace KIRBY Obituary

Published by Ottawa Citizen on Feb. 24, 2018.
KIRBY, Grace Elizabeth (Betty), nee MacNeill The most beautiful soul in the world (to us) has flown away. Grace Elizabeth (Betty) Kirby, nee MacNeill passed away at home February 18, 2018 at the age of 89, surrounded by the love of her children and lifelong friend, Claire Kirby. Devoted wife of the late David A.S. Kirby and incredible mother of the late David (Christine) Kirby, Leslie (Ken) Johnson, Susan (Jesse) Hindemith and Janet (Phil) Bova. Loving Gramma to Carrie, Michael, Lexi, David, Evan, Alexander and Philip. Sister to the late Lois (Eddie) McMullin, the late Stuart (Leila) MacNeill, and the late Gord (Eileen) MacNeill and sister-in-law to Bruce (Margo) Kirby and Beverley (David) Brown. Mom was born April 9, 1928 to Leslie and Grace MacNeill (nee MacIntosh). After being widowed in 1970, she raised their four children with strength, eternal optimism and a joy for life. Mom enjoyed winters in California and was a member of the Britannia Yacht Club for 70+ years. Mom was loved and admired by so many for her gentle and kind spirit and how she took the time to admire nature's beauty and to see the positive in everyone she met. Mom had a special way of enjoying nature, especially birds and seashells and loved to collect leaves and wild flowers, making beautiful arrangements. There will be a celebration of Mom's life at BYC at a later date. If you wish, donations may be made to Bytown Brigantine Inc. at TallShipsAdventure.org.

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February 18, 2019

janet and phil xxx posted to the memorial.

June 5, 2018

Carolyn James posted to the memorial.

March 5, 2018

Christine Bartlett posted to the memorial.

12 Entries

janet and phil xxx

February 18, 2019

We miss you being here with us in all ways Mom ~
Our Mom was an endless source of beauty and grace ~ despite her so-difficult life from the time she was a little girl ... with her gorgeous smile and sincere eyes glowing on the outside ~ She had an incredible and tireless sense of fun and adventure ~ She exuded enthusiasm ... always the first one packed and to the door when there was any talk of a journey (even if only to the 'DQ') ~ Mom was the one endlessly planning and taking those journeys ~ first for and with her friends and then for and with her family and friends until the last several years ~ She was always inclusive ~ eager ~ sweet (especially her tooth 8)) ~ curious ~ clever ~ funny ~ kind ... She is indelible.

Carolyn James

June 5, 2018

Deepest sympathies to you Janet in the loss of your lovely mother. It was my pleasure to meet her at your home in 2016.

Christine Bartlett

March 5, 2018

Praying for you during this time. With deepest sympathies from Lise, Michael, and Christine Bartlett

Karen English

February 26, 2018

Leslie and Ken - sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you.

Hugh Gladish

February 25, 2018

Nothing hurts as much as losing your Mother. After two years I can still claim deep sorrow and fully empathize with you all now. The memories are precious and will sustain you through the long healing.

janet and phil xxx

February 25, 2018

Our Mom was an endless source of beauty and grace ~ despite her so-difficult life from the time she was a little girl ... with her gorgeous smile and sincere eyes glowing on the outside ~ She had an incredible and tireless sense of fun and adventure ~ She exuded enthusiasm ... always the first one packed and to the door when there was any talk of a journey (even if only to the 'DQ') ~ Mom was the one endlessly planning and taking those journeys ~ first for and with her friends and then for and with her family and friends until the last several years ~ She was always inclusive ~ eager ~ sweet (especially her tooth 8)) ~ curious ~ clever ~ funny ~ kind ... She is indelible.

Karen Phillips-Curran

February 25, 2018

Goodbye Betty, you were the best. I will always treasure the sage advice and keep you as a model for aging 'gracefully'.
Janet, let me send you the warmest encompassing comforting hug. My heartfelt condolences to you all, a great loss.

Nancy Kowalyshen

February 24, 2018

So sorry to hear of the passing of Betty, she will be missed. We looked forward to our visits with her at the BYC for the past few summers when we visited from our home in the Yukon. Nancy and Myles Kowalyshen

Leslie and ken Brown

February 24, 2018

Our deepest sympathy to all. She was a wonderful lady

Kirk & Peggy Bell

February 24, 2018

We cherish our fond memories of the years we spent at the Kirby's. Mrs. K forever tolerant of the high spirited teens partying while eating her out of house and home. She never complained! Our families have always and continue to be entwined. A long life well lived! xo

Sonja Metcalfe

February 24, 2018

So sorry to hear the passing of your mother Janet. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Sonja and Larry

janet and phil xxx

February 24, 2018

The crowd at Valhalla are awaiting your arrival Mom - They can't wait to see you and have you there with them. Glasir is blowing gently in the breeze and it's a beautiful day ~ xxx

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February 18, 2019

janet and phil xxx posted to the memorial.

June 5, 2018

Carolyn James posted to the memorial.

March 5, 2018

Christine Bartlett posted to the memorial.