On Sunday, September 29, 2019, Mary Frances Kirby passed away at the age of 79. Mary Frances was born September 11, 1940 as the second child to Milton and Blanche (Ramsey) Bowen of Saint Leonard, Maryland. She was one of their six children and first born daughter. She graduated from Calvert High School in 1960. She married Charles “Shorty” Kirby on September 23, 1961 and they were blessed with two sons, Charles “Chuck” Norman Kirby Jr. in 1963 and Gary Lee Kirby in 1969. Mary Frances was a lifetime member of Calvert County, recently residing in Prince Frederick.
Mary enjoyed keeping a clean home, cooking, baking, and keeping in contact with her friends on the phone. She also had a strong passion for caring for her family and her place of worship, Waters Memorial Church, where the most important events in her life took place. You could often find her dancing, singing, bowling Duckpins, listening to music, and attending blue grass festivals. She enjoyed visiting Ocean City along with beloved aunt, Annie Mary.
Earlier in her career, she worked as a waitress at Rustic Farms, Benedict Pier, and Shorter’s. She eventually retired in 2005 after a long career with the Calvert County Board of Education serving as the Cafeteria Manager at Appeal Elementary.
Mary Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Blanche, her brothers: Milton “Jr. Boy”, Charlie, Lee, and her youngest son, Gary.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Charles Kirby Sr., her brother Robert (JoAnne), her sister Sally, son Charles Kirby Jr. (Kim), Grandsons, Eric (Tara) and Jason, Great Grandchildren, Addison, Austin, and Ashton, and many nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Waters Memorial United Methodist Church, 5400 Mackall Road, St. Leonard, MD 20685. A Funeral Service will be conducted by Pastor Brian Berger on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Waters Memorial United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
As a person of great faith, she has asked that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to Waters Memorial United Methodist Church Building Fund, 5400 Mackall Road, St. Leonard, MD 20685.
We would like to extend our thanks to the Calvert Hospice House for loving and caring for Mary Frances as we did.
She will remain forever in our hearts.
Condolences to the family may be made at www.rauschfuneralhomes.com.
Jeanine Burkman
October 7 – Obituary: Mary Frances Kirby
Dear Shorty and Chuck,
I’m so sorry to hear of Mary Francis’ passing. I feel like I knew your family for most of my life. She will be missed. Take care and know she’s keeping a watchful eye on her family from Heaven.
Always,
Jeanine Burkman
Doug and Susan Hance
October 5 – Obituary: Mary Frances Kirby
Our sincere sympathy to the entire Kirby family on their loss. Mary Frances was a warm, generous lady and she will be greatly missed. We are sorry to have missed her service due to illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dottie Shifflett Moore
October 3 – Obituary: Mary Frances Kirby
Sincere condolences to Shorty and his family. Dad, Robert Shifflett, loved meeting Mary Francis and Shorty at Bob Evans restaurant and talking of old times and mischief. She was a sweet, loving lady and will be missed by many. I am glad I got to meet and laugh with them and will always remember her fondly. Dottie
Marlyn Sutton
October 2 – Obituary: Mary Frances Kirby
My condolences to the Kirby family. Mary Francis was a kind and gracious lady. She will be missed.
Carl and Marlyn Sutton
Gregg&Wayne Hutchins
October 2 – Obituary: Mary Frances Kirby
Sweet and kind — that was Mary Frances. Our most sincere sympathies to her family. Gregg & Wayne Hutchins
Kay Colie
October 2 – Obituary: Mary Frances Kirby
Condolences to Mary Francis family.She was a very nice lady that took care of feeding many children in the County schools. She will be missed by all.
Barbara K. Matthews
October 1 – Obituary: Mary Frances Kirby
Mrs. Kirby was my son’s favorite cafe worker at Appeal. He would be good if he could only have a chance to take the lunch count to her him the mornings. She was so very kind to him, and he could be a mess. He is now 24 and still remembers her fondly. It probably didn’t hurt that she would sneak him his favorite mint on occasion! I am thankful that he had a friend in the cafeteria. I am thankful for Mrs. Kirby.
Maxie Morgan
October 1 – Obituary: Mary Frances Kirby
My condolence to the Kirby family in you loss. Mary Francis was kind loving , she will be missed by all. RIP
Charlotte goshorn
October 1 – Obituary: Mary Frances Kirby
So very sorry she will be missed
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