WESTFIELD – Katherine V. Kirby, 82, passed away peacefully on May 15th, 2024 ending her battle with Dementia. She was born in Westfield, MA on July 19th, 1941 to the late Edward Kirby and Bettina (Woodsum) Friedrich. Kathy attended Westfield schools and graduated from Westfield High School in 1959. She moved to New York City where she worked for the finance department of JC Penny. She then moved back to Westfield where she worked in payroll for Old Colony Envelope Company until her retirement.
Kathy had a love for traveling, first with her mother and then with friends, which brought her to many European countries as well as several destinations in the United States. She enjoyed going to the Majestic Theater, the Springfield Symphony, and Mac-Haydon Theatre in New York. She belonged to a bowling league in Westfield, St. Rocco’s Club, where she held office, was a long-time member of the Western Hampden Historical Society, and a member of the Friends of the Westfield Senior Center. She enjoyed gospel and country music, doing crosswords and solitaire puzzles and her Saturday lunches at Friendly’s.
Katherine leaves behind her brother John Kirby and his wife Linda; she is predeceased by her sisters Bettina Bezo and Margaret Goonan McLane and her brothers Edward (Mike) Kirby and William Kirby. She also leaves behind her brother-in-law Edward Bezo and sister-in-law Jeanne Kirby, nephew Carl Bezo, nieces Judith Galczynski and her husband Christopher, Lisa Bezo and her partner Henning Ohlenbusch, Stephanie Maldonado and her husband Michael, and is predeceased by her nephew Joseph Kirby. She also leaves behind many more dear nieces and nephews of the Goonan family as well as many friends.
Calling hours for Katherine will be held on Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024 at the Firtion-Adams Funeral Services, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA from 4-6:30 p.m. A service will follow at 6:30 p.m. Burial will be on Thursday, May 23rd, 2024 at the gravesite in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 203 Southampton Road, Westfield, MA at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the charity of your choice. www.firtionadams.com
