Grace G. "Garrett" Kirk

Grace Garrett Kirk, age 90, of Hockessin, Delaware passed away on January 27, 2026 surrounded by her children.

Grace was born in Jersey City, New Jersey in September 1935 to the late James and Margaret Burns Garrett. Grace graduated from Holy Family Academy in Bayonne, New Jersey. After graduation, Grace worked at Dean Whitter & Company on Wall Street in New York City as a secretary where she performed follow-up tasks after the traders sold/bought stocks. She worked there for 6 years and developed the knowledge and skills to direct her own investing, which she continued up to her death. Her approach was that she was in it for the long run so she was the ultimate 'buy and hold' investor. And a long run she had! She was very proud of her Wall Street acumen and spent most weekday mornings watching the business reports on MSNBC.

Grace married Bruce H. Kirk in June 1959 and they moved to Wilmington, Delaware. Bruce worked for the du Pont Company and was later transferred to Mohawk, New York before returning to Delaware in 1967, settling in Hockessin. They were married for 56 years until Bruce passed away in 2016. Together, they had an affinity for travel; having visited many countries with Ireland holding a special place for Grace given her Irish lineage.

Grace loved her community and her home in Hockessin. She and Bruce had a strong network of friends, many whom they met at Saint Mary of the Assumption Church. They were likely amongst the first parishioners upon the founding of the church in 1972.

Grace actively served her church in various roles, including CCD-Prep teacher, Youth Group newsletter contributor, Liturgy Committee member, Lector, Eucharistic Minister (both at church and for the homebound), Parish Council member, and became a member of the Sages committee soon after it started and continued to serve until her passing. Grace believed in serving her community and said "these activities have given me the chance to serve with many dedicated people who do not seek recognition but only want to give. My religion is the sustaining part of my daily life and my daily prayers give me hope for a better world."

Outside of church, she also volunteered at the gift shop for the Junior Board of St. Francis Hospital. While raising five children, she was involved in PTA groups at their schools, was a frequent carpool driver and attended as many activities as possible for her children and grandchildren. Grace especially enjoyed time with the family at Bethany Beach; Thanksgiving at the Sentman's; and Christmas gatherings at her house.

Grace is survived by her son, Thomas (Andrea); daughters, Pamela (Andre'), Donna (Dave), and Linda. She is predeceased by her daughter, Lisa Gail; and her brother, James Garrett. She is also survived by grandchildren, Justin (Kim) and their children, Peyton and Conrad; Jenna, Braeden, McKenna, Caleigh, Katelyn, Ryan, Erin, Jonathan (Kate), Christopher, and Taylor.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00am on Friday, February 20, 2026 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE, where family and friends may visit beginning at 10:00am. Burial will be private at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Ashland, DE.

Grace grew up in an era where, due to both limited financial means and traditional expectations of her immigrant family, higher education was not an option for women as they were expected to go directly into the workforce to help support the family. As she conveyed in a memoir, "all of my past experiences are the reason why I wanted my children to have the education opportunities that I was unable to obtain". Grace and Bruce were long time supporters of The Independence School so in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Grace G. Kirk to The Independence School, 1300 Paper Mill Road, Newark, Delaware 19711.