Kathleen Ann (Keegan) Kirk, 77, wife of the late Donald P. Kirk of Norwalk, passed away Wednesday March 7, 2018 at Autumn Lake Healthcare. With her loving family by her side, Kathleen departed after a 9-year long battle with Alzheimer’s. Born July 9, 1940, in Bronx, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Anne and Christopher Keegan. In addition to her husband and parents Kathleen was also predeceased by her two sisters, Margaret Keegan and Mary Jane Keegan, who she missed tremendously throughout her life.
Kathleen attended Saint-Pious Catholic High School in the Bronx and married Donald shortly after graduating. She spent the next two decades devoting her life to her family raising her four children with complete selflessness. Even after she got sick and the disease eroded her memory of who her children and grandkids were, her face would still light up when one of them walked into her room. Kathleen is survived by her four children and five grandchildren: sons Brian Kirk, and Donald J. (Jill) Kirk of Norwalk, daughters Margaret (Mark) Cameron and their two children Kaitlyn and James of Norwalk, and Donna (Gary) Savoie and their three children Christopher, Shane and Danielle of Shelton. Survivors also include many beloved cousins here and in Ireland, and multiple nieces and nephews. Kathleen’s greatest joy later in life were her grandchildren who loved how their MeMe made them laugh and always feel special.
Kathleen was a first generation Irish American and was extremely proud of her Irish heritage. Her love of Irish step dancing and music gave her great pleasure during her life. Up until the end, she would hum or sing a couple of words or smile whenever she heard an Irish song. She had a beautiful voice. Kathleen will be remembered fondly for her fierce love, fighting spirit, sense of humor and dedication to her family. These memories are what will sustain her family and will always remain near and dear in their hearts.
Friends and family may call, Friday 3/9 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:00 AM in St. Thomas the Apostle, 203 East Avenue, Norwalk. Interment will follow in St. Johns Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Kathleen’s memory to The Alzheimer’s Association, CT Chapter, 200 Executive Boulevard, Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489 or ALZ.org (www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp)