Christine Buck Kirkland

Christine Haddon Buck Kirkland passed away on March 16, 2025, after a lengthy illness. She passed at peace in her sleep at her home in Fresno, California surrounded by family members and her devoted canine companion, Max.

Born in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1938 to Isaac Newton Earle III and Sarah “Sally” Hoffman Symmes, Chris spent her childhood in Cranbury, New Jersey and cherished memories of her hometown throughout her life. After her parents divorced in 1947, Chris’ mother married George Thomas Buck who later adopted both Chris and younger sister Susan and fathered her brother Thomas.

In 1957, Chris married Kenneth Leroy Kirkland, a banking executive, and later moved to Maine to raise their two sons, Kurt and Kyle, and pursue a career in education. After divorcing in 1980, Chris moved back to New Jersey to continue her work as a teacher advocate. In 1987, she accepted a new position as Executive Director of the Orange County Educators/California Teachers Association and moved to San Juan Capistrano where she flourished. Chris loved her role as a champion for educators and devoted her free time to travel, gardening, her dog and her church.

Known for her pride in her family, interest in gardening and commitment to faith, Chris will be missed by those who shared her passions. Chris enjoyed traveling throughout the East Coast and Southwest and had an extensive collection of art and memories from her travels. She was active in both her church and neighborhood communities and contributed hours of her time to both. Chris was particularly gratified by researching and documenting the history of the Community Presbyterian Church and her own family genealogy.

Chris is survived by her brother Thomas Charles Buck of Rockingham, Virginia, her half-brother Roy Hudson of Massachusetts, her son Kurt Addison Kirkland and daughter-in-law Rebecca Haskell Kirkland of Stockton Springs, Maine, her son Kyle Rudyard Kirkland of Fresno, CA, her grandson Kräg Addison Kirkland of San Diego, California, granddaughter Kyleigh Kirkland Borgendale of Holbrook, Massachusetts and German Shepherd, Max. She was pre-deceased by her sister, Susan Buck Waters, and granddaughter, Kellyn Symmes Kirkland.

A memorial ceremony for Chris will be held at the Community Presbyterian Church in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 2:00 PM with a reception thereafter.

Chris’ family asks that she be remembered for her devotion to others in life not the sadness of her passing.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that celebrants of her life consider a gift to the Community Presbyterian Church in Chris’ name.