Mary L. Kirby

Kirby, Mary L.
Age 79
of Kalamazoo Mary passed away peacefully on December 22, 2011 at Alamo Nursing Home. Mary Louise Corum Kirby was born December 11, 1932 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Herbert and Ethel Anderson Corum. Mary Lou was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved her family and friends. She was a registered nurse and received her training at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago. In 1955 she married Donald F. Kirby, who preceded her in death in 2006. Mary and Don lived for many years in Hawaii where she raised her family, worked as a nurse and loved life on the Islands. She came back to Michigan in the early 1980's and lived the remainder of her life in Kalamazoo. Mary was a faithful Christian and a member of Bethel Baptist Church for many years. Surviving are her three children, Michael Pamela Kirby of Kalamazoo, John Sheroyl Kirby of Three Rivers, and Jennifer Eric Rickstad of Kalamazoo; one brother, William Shirley Corum of Coconut Creek, FL; five grandchildren, Mark and Kayla Kirby, Faith and Caleb Kirby, and Maggie Rickstad; and by her two grandchildren by marriage, Emmy Bruton and Sara Polk. In accordance with her wishes cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park on Thursday December 29, 2011. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Bethel Baptist Church in Kalamazoo. Arangements by Langeland Memorial Chapel.