Kathryn Kirk

Mary Kathryn "Kay" Kirk passed away peacefully on August 10, 2024, at the age of 93, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Kay was born on May 1,1931 in Muscoda, Wisconsin, to her loving parents, Florence (Schwingle) and Merlin Victora. Although Pittsburgh became her home for over 50 years, she continued to make visits back to Muscoda up until the last year of her life.

Kay was a graduate of St. Mary's High School in Richland Center, Wisconsin and the University of Arizona, earning a degree in elementary education. Kay was a lifelong educator, teaching preschool well into her 60's. Not ready to retire, she took her passion for learning and teaching to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History as a docent. She had a particular fondness for Dinosaur Hall.

Kay was devoted to Al Anon, sponsoring and mentoring people who became close friends over the years. She had far reaching friendships from childhood and young adulthood that she fostered over her lifetime. She was a wonderful host and loved entertaining. She was famous for her patio parties and her annual hot dog lunches and Christmas teas.

Kay had a great love for travel, earning her the affectionate nickname "The Travelin' Gran." Whether it was a quick trip to Chicago or Ohio to visit family or an adventure afar- from Barcelona to Bermuda-Kay was always on the move, eager to be where the action was and where her loved ones gathered.

A devoted patron of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, a Pittsburgh Pirate fan, and a longtime docent at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Kay was an avid supporter of sports and the arts in a city she was proud to live in.

Kay is survived by her four children and their spouses, Annie Gensheimer (Mark), Alex Kirk(Christine), Mary Rowan( Tim), and Lucy Pavlick (Patrick), thirteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, cousins and nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her dear sister-in-law, Nancy Kountz , who became a true sister to her. As the matriarch of her family, she will be deeply missed for her zest for life and the countless memories she created with those she loved.

There will be a celebration of her life in the chapel at Providence Point, 500 Providence Point Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15143 on Wednesday August 14th with a visitation at 10 am and a service at 11 am. Kay lived a colorful life. To honor her, bright happy colors are encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History or to a foundation Kay supported that sponsors education for orphans in India with checks payable to Fr. Joji, c/o St. Thomas Roman Catholic Church 655 S. Main Street, Poyneytee, WI 53955