Sharon Cecile Kirk

June 16, 1938 – March 11, 2018

Sister Sharon (aka Sr. Shannon) Kirk was born June 16, 1938, in Newberg, Oregon, to Lester and Loretta Kirk. Sister’s elementary and secondary education through Grade 11 took place in St. Paul Oregon. Sr. Sharon graduated from St. Mary of the Valley High School in 1956. Higher education was earned at Marylhurst (BS in Elementary Education, 1962), Portland State University (MST in Education, 1975), and the University of San Francisco (MA in Administration, 1983).

Sister Sharon was received as a novice by the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon on August 15, 1957, and became known as Sr. Mary Shannon; in 1962 Sister made her perpetual profession. She taught and served as principal in various elementary schools throughout her sixty-one years of Religious life: St. Peter, Spokane; St. Cecilia, Beaverton; Holy Trinity, Beaverton (where she was on the staff that opened the school in 1963); St. Mary of the Valley, Beaverton; St. Mary, Stayton; Sacred Heart, Tillamook; St. Matthew, Hillsboro; St. Pius X, Portland; St. Luke, Woodburn; and St. Agatha, Portland.

While serving as principal at St. Luke School in Woodburn, Sr. Sharon participated in a faculty-student volleyball game which altered the course of the rest of her life. A serious hip injury that did not mend well was a cross she has bravely carried since 1992. However, a smile was never far from her lips while laughter and a quick wit never left her. From 1995-2000 Sr. Sharon’s compassionate heart shone brightly at WIAR (Women Intercommunity AIDS Resource. Concurrently from 1996-2000 Sr. Sharon served as the SSMO Motherhouse Administrator. Following that, she served in the CYO office for a year before assisting in the Education Department at the University of Portland for a year. In 2002 Sr. Sharon returned to the Motherhouse where she helped with daily chores for as long as she could.

Sister is survived by her Sisters in Community, her brothers, Dick, Mike (Gloria), Butch, and Joe (Debbie), as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Philip and Ron.

Vigil Service – Wednesday, March 14, 7:00 p.m. - Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon

Mass of Christian Burial – Thursday, March 15, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. - Motherhouse Chapel

May Sister Sharon rest in God’s eternal embrace!

Memorial offerings may be directed to the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Retirement Fund.