Cathy Catherine Kirby

Diana Catherine "Cathy" Kirby, 74, of Lake Charles, LA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 27, 2025. Mrs. Kirby was born March 28, 1950 in Lake Charles, LA to Thomas Allen Barber and Martha Cooley Barber of Athens, Alabama.

Cathy graduated from LaGrange High school in 1968. She went on to receive an Associates Degree from McNeese State University. Her passions were sewing, painting and decorating. She also loved the swimming pool and sunbathing. She was a homemaker, wife and mother for many years. This is where she found her happiness.

When she decided to work outside of the home, she became a teacher at Westlake High School. Her true love came when she became a grandmother. She devoted the rest of her life dedicated to that role.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Tracy Kirby Real, and husband, Steven Matthew Real; her grandson, Chase Bryan Meiner; her sister , Betty Jo Kerbow, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Bryan Kirby; her parents; her sister, Patricia Barber Finney; her brothers, John Michael Barber and Thomas Allen Barber, Jr.

A private graveside service will be held in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be made to any local animal rescue in lieu of flowers.

The family would like to express a special word of thanks to Sage Oak Assisted Living.