Emma Ann Kirby

Jonesport

Emma Ann Kirby, 86, passed away November 13, 2014 at a Jonesport Healthcare Facility. She was born June 3, 1928 in St. Stephen, NB, Canada the daughter of the late Ray and Florence (Gardner) Armstrong . She attended Machias schools graduating from Machias Memorial High School class of 1945. She then completed three years of nursing training at the University of Maine Orono. There she formed many lasting friendships as a member of the Chi Omega sorority.

Emma Ann married her husband of 65 years Lewis F. Kirby on April 24, 1949. Together they raised two children. She returned to college at the University of Maine Machias, when her son Michael was a Junior in high school, completing her teaching degree in Elementary Education in 1972 as a classmate of her daughter Janet. She taught at Harrington Elementary from 1972 – 1992 until retirement at the age of 62. During her last two years, Emma Ann really struggled with her retirement decision due to her love of teaching. She was a caring and conscientious teacher who greatly appreciated her students, and kept track of their progress until each one graduated from high school, college, or had chosen their careers.

Emma Ann had a life long love of reading, and truly enjoyed outdoor activities, like taking walks, yard work, gardening and shoveling snow. She took great pleasure in the company of the family dogs; Butchie, Shep, Max, Charlie, Prince, and Casey during her 65 years of marriage. One of her favorite activities was attending the weekly meeting of the Tuesday Night Club. She was active in church activities at the Sawyer Memorial Congregational Church, as well as an active supporter of the Centre Street Congregational Church in Machias.

Emma Ann is survived by her daughter Janet K Crowley and husband Bruce and their daughter Maegan L. Crowley; daughter-in-law Lynne F. Kirby; grandson Jacob Michael Kirby; nephews Daryl Young and family and John Cary Young; a niece Carol Colby and her family; many Armstrong cousins and many friends.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Lewis F. Kirby, her son Michael L. Kirby, a dear sister-in-law Barbara K. Young and a special first cousin Lucille Sprague.

Funeral services will be held at1pm Monday November 17, 2014 at the Sawyer Memorial Congregational Church, Jonesport with Rev. Phyllis W. Merritt officiating. Emma Ann will be buried in the family lot at the Greenwood Cemetery, Jonesport. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Sunrise Care Facility Activity Fund, P.O. Box 507, Jonesport or the Sawyer Memorial Congregational Church, PO Box 249, Jonesport. Arrangements are in care of McClure Family Funeral Services Machias and Lubec. Family, friends, former students and their families are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.mcclurefamilyfuneral.com

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