Mary Elizabeth Kirby

Mary Elizabeth Kirby was born on November 23, 1924 in Brooklyn, New York. She was an only child. She graduated from Franklin K. Lane High School where she was a member of the girls track team and played the trumpet in the band. After NYU and the Hefley Business Institute she worked two years at House Beautiful magazine as assistant to the Sales Promotions Department until she met the love of her life, Captain Burton Kirby. They were married April 3, 1948 and that perfect marriage lasted 67 years until Col. Kirby's death in 2014. Mary enjoyed being a military spouse and living in different states and countries. She was a strong Christian, loved people, all birds and animals except monkeys.

Mary's life was dedicated to volunteering. She volunteered at five separate locations for Penrose Hospital. The Colorado Springs Police Department, The National Kidney Foundation and at the Red Cross at different military bases. Her favorite was in support of the detectives at the Sand Creek and Stetson Police stations for 21 years. She and Burton spent 17 years as public speakers for the National Kidney Foundation. At Penrose Hospital she volunteered in various roles for 40 years. She considered the CSPD her extended family.

She was a member of the Church in the Ranch, Daughters of the American Revolution and the Wing Family of America.

Burton and their son Robert preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughter in law Shannon, grandsons Clayton and Justin (Casey) and three great grandsons, Jack, Hunter and Brodie and a great granddaughter, Madeline.

The family wishes to thank MacKenzie Place Retirement Community for the loving care and happiness provided to Mary and to Dr. Robert Spees for his care and friendship.