Obituary of Joan Kirby

Joan Heflin Kirby Compassionate Wife, Mother, Volunteer & Multi-talented Artist Joan Heflin Kirby, 71, died at her home in Mountain Lakes, NJ on the first evening of Spring, Tuesday, March 20, 2007. Joan was born on July 25, 1935 to John F. Heflin and Margaret Crotty Ennis in Beckley, WV. She was a graduate of Michigan State University in 1956 with a dual degree in Radio & Television and Secondary Education. She was a member of The MSU Debate Team and received the Detroit News Essay Award. Her postgraduate work was at Oklahoma State University, Memphis State University, Southwestern University and a Four Year Program (Education for Ministry) University of the South-School of Theology. Mrs. Kirby was married on June 16th, 1956 to Herbert W. Kirby. Joan is survived by her husband, five children, Mark Weldon, Kyle, Caryn Leah, Shannon Lynne, and Lauren Lys and six grandchildren and two sisters Patricia Smith and Sonnie Witz. Mrs. Kirby was also a State Licensed Foster Mother to 17 foster children. Mrs. Kirby started Kay County's (Oklahoma) first Informational and Referral Agency called "Challenge". She established the first "Visiting Homemakers Association". Joan was a "pink lady" serving as a volunteer speech therapist at Ponca City Hospital and ran a Retarded Adult Workshop. She taught at the Convent of The Good Shepherd (Detention Home for Wayward Girls), taught in the public school system and was a volunteer and staffer of New Baby Clinic at John Gaston hospital - all in Houston, TX. In Memphis, TN she worked as an aide on the paraplegia ward at the John F. Kennedy Hospital. Joan was a resident of Mountain Lakes since 1973. She was the first volunteer at Riverside Hospice (the first free-standing hospice in the US) and served for 10 years in various capacities. In 1981 the Voluntary Action Center awarded her "The Outstanding Volunteer of the Year" for her work. Later, she served as Director of "Respite Care" for Family Service of Morris County. Joan was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, member of the Altar Guild, Sunday school teacher, Co-Founder of Action Auction, Past Chairwoman of Long Range Planning Committee. Also past President of the local American Association of University Women and was their Educational Foundation's "Name Grant Honoree" in 1997. She was a devoted Graphic Artist, Miniaturist, Quilter, Calligrapher and Writer. Several of her works won local and national recognition. Joan was a past member of the International Guild of Miniature Artisans, National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts, American Quilter's Society and the New York Society of Scribes. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Service on Saturday, March 31st at 3 p.m. at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 215 Boulevard, Mountain Lakes, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Children's Hospice International at 1101 King Street, Suite 360 Alexandria, VA. 22314. 800-24-CHILD. www.chionline.org/donate. To light a memorial candle in Joan's memory please go to www.normandean.com