Kathleen V. Kirby

Kathleen V. (McCarthy) Kirby, age 83, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at her home in Norfolk, Massachusetts, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on December 27, 1942, she was the daughter of the late John Lawrence and Elizabeth Louise (Lundmark) McCarthy. Kathy spent her early years in Boston's Southie neighborhood before her family made their home in Roslindale neighborhood. She graduated from Saint Joseph's Academy in Boston with the Class of 1960 and quickly found work in a local coffee shop.

A year after her graduation, Kathy married her beloved husband, Paul D. Kirby, on July 27, 1961, at Sacred Heart Church in Roslindale. The young couple initially made a home together in Jamaica Plain. As their family grew, welcoming three children, Kathy and Paul moved to Roslindale and later West Roxbury, before setting down roots in Wrentham, Massachusetts in 1977. While her children were young, Kathy worked as a waitress but as they grew up, she returned to her education, taking classes at Dean Junior College. While completing her degree on the "ten-year plan," Kathy took a position with Analog Devices in Westwood, serving as an inside salesperson. She later transitioned to The Kopin Corporation in Taunton, where she worked as an administrative assistant, before retiring in 1994. In retirement years, Kathy and Paul escaped the cold and snow of New England, making their home in Naples, Florida. In more recent years, Kathy and Paul returned to Massachusetts, spending a couple of years in Wrentham before settling in Norfolk.

Throughout her life, Kathy expressed her creative side through several forms. She was a talented artist, specializing in free hand drawing, painting, and floral design. In more recent years, Kathy enjoyed relaxing, coloring intricate mandalas. During the annual Eastover trip at Halloween, Kathy was tasked with making elaborate costumes for both her and Paul, which were usually top contenders for the wildest. However, her favorite time to shine was always Christmas. From the shopping trips for the perfect gifts to the decorations around the house, to the impeccably wrapped presents, complete with stunning bows, Kathy always put on a display. Her creativity even spilled over into the kitchen, preparing homemade meatballs, lasagna, and potato salad. Even more exciting were her desserts, vanilla ice cream, brownies, date nut bread, and her famous German chocolate cake with mocha frosting.

In later years, Kathy found her love for travel, checking out various destinations with Paul by her side. As a couple, Kathy and Paul loved exploring the Caribbean, visiting Aruba, Antigua, and Barbados. Back in New England, their favorite destinations were New Hampshire and Maine. Countless trips were made to York Beach and Goose Rocks Beach, however one of Kathy's favorite places to visit was the Ogunquit Playhouse to take in one of the musical performances.

Back at home, Kathy was a true social butterfly, entertaining family and friends in her home often. She was a regular at the Norwood Sports Center on Thursday nights, joining the ranks of the bowling league with Paul and her father, John, for an evening of fun. After moving to Norfolk, Kathy became the designated driver at her condo complex, driving all her neighbors to the Thursday night cocktail hour.

Most of all, Kathy was devoted to her family. She was delighted at the birth of her grandchildren, never naming a single one as her favorite, as she would say "You are all my favorite." She loved watching them grow up, frequently attending games and events, often slipping them a few bucks with a slight of hand. Some of her favorite memories with her grandchildren was teaching them to play dominoes, specifically Mexican Train. When the kids came to visit Kathy in Naples, there was always a special trip to a local flea market to ensure each one had their own set of dominoes to bring home.

Beloved wife of the late Paul D. Kirby.

Loving mother of Karen L. Dalton and her husband, Craig, of South Walpole, Kevin G. Kirby and his wife, Kelly, of Norfolk and St. Petersburg, Florida, and Susan M. Amidon and her late husband, James, of Cumberland, Rhode Island.

Cherished grandmother of Colleen A. Kirby and her husband, George Youstra, of St. Petersburg, Florida, Meaghan A. Kirby and her fiancé, Daniel Keogh, of Taunton, Cory J. Amidon and his significant other, Marissa Coleman, of Cumberland, Rhode Island, Cameron K. Dalton and his partner, Jacqueline Horner, of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Amanda T. Amidon and her significant other, Thomas Ritchie, of Cumberland, Rhode Island, and Catherine L. Dalton of South Walpole; and great grandmother of George Theodore "Teddy" Youstra, VII.

Sister of Linda Cleary and her late husband, George, of Dedham, Joseph McCarthy and his late wife, Joan, of Dedham and Utah, and the late Gerald McCarthy and his late wife, Evelyn.

Sister-in-law of William Kirby, Jr. and his late wife, Amelia, of West Roxbury, the late Ann Cogavin and her late husband, Bernard, and the late Clare Kominek and her late husband, Joseph, and the late Jeremiah Kirby and his late wife, Mary.

Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Kathy's visitation on Friday, September 25th, 2026, from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. Please wear bright colors to celebrate Kathy's life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 26th, 2026, at 10:30 am in Saint Mary's Church, 130 South Street, Wrentham. Interment will take place privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Kathy's name may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at 320 Nevada Street, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460 or by visiting https://www.alz.org/manh.