Patricia Ann Kirby

1929 - 2024

Patricia Ann Kirby
April 7, 1929 - March 5, 2024
Patricia Anne Kirby, 94, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 5th, at her Byron Park residence in Walnut Creek, Calif.
The daughter of Thomas F. Kirby and Florence Froelich Kirby, Patricia was born and raised in San Leandro. She graduated from the University of Oregon and later earned her teaching credential from San Francisco State University. Although she loved children, she did not love teaching, and, by choice, her teaching career did not last long. Her subsequent position as an Assistant to the Dean of Admissions at Stanford Law School was a much better fit, and she enjoyed several years working in the lively University environment. Later, after moving to San Francisco, she secured a secretarial position closer to home at Crown Zellerbach, where she remained until retirement.
She was a beautiful woman, both inside and out. Her good looks belied her age, possibly because she was so vigilant about her skin and health care routines. Free spirited and fiercely independent, she was at her happiest on long hikes and far travels, including a solo train trip across the country as a young woman to meet her friend, Grace Glatz at the CopaCabana, a trek to see the cherry blossoms in Japan, frequent sojourns to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and annual pilgrimages to Carmel by the Sea.
A devout Catholic since childhood, she lived her faith, and remained deeply grounded in her spiritual beliefs. She never spoke ill of others, and thanked God every day for her life, even when life was challenging. Her giving spirit was evidenced by the shockingly thick pile of mail she would receive every day with thank yous and requests for contributions. She would read every one, and joyfully send donations to all that touched her heart. She was meticulous in her record-keeping and file shredding. and to her last breath she remained on top of her paperwork.
Her sharp mind and peaceful presence made her fine company, and she was a treasured friend and confidant to some very lucky people.
By the age of 50, Patricia had lost her mother and only sister, Peggy. Her father lived into his 90s, and she cared for him with great love and devotion, moving back into her childhood home towards the end of his life. It's often said that friends are the family you choose, and Patricia had a network of close friends. For most of her adult life, her Friday nights were reserved for dinners with her closest friends, Grace and her husband, Al. The three shared holidays, secrets, celebrated one and other's accomplishments and mourned each other's losses. It's a testament to their bond that for many years after her parents passing, Al and Grace's daughter, Kristie Glatze, remained deeply involved in Patricia's life: driving her to the hairdresser, doctors' appointments, helping her with her taxes and visiting her at least twice a month right up until the very end. Along with her immediate family, she was predeceased by her niece, Kirby; and grandnephew, Ben. Survivors include her niece, Leslie Walker; and her nephew, Brooks Walker; along with six grandnieces and nephews; and a great-grandniece named Ella Kirby. She also leaves behind her beloved "mamas," Rachelle, Rowena, and Nenita, who spent the last seven years filling her days with comfort, light, and laughter.
In honor of her free spirit, donations are requested to any organization that moves your heart.