Margaret Drolz Kirby

Resident of Campbell

Nov 16, 1939 – Jun 3, 2014

Margaret Drolz Kirby passed away peacefully June 3, 2014 at Kaiser Santa Clara after a long battle with COPD.

Margaret, or Marge as she was known, was born in Slickville,PA, the daughter of Joseph Drolz and Margaret (Skurja) Drolz. She “came out west” when her family moved to Prescott, AZ. In 1954 they took up residence in San Jose, CA. There she graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1958. In 1959 she married John C. Kirby of Saratoga, CA.

John and Marge lived in Campbell for 47 years and spent the 60’s growing a family of five children. When her youngest daughter was born with Down’s syndrome, Marge became a strong advocate for disabled rights and was active in organizations dedicated to improving the lives of the special needs community. Marge enjoyed a long career with Santa Clara County Social Services. In her career and in her life, she was dedicated to helping families. Marge was a generous woman, donating to numerous organizations including collecting for March of Dimes for over 35 years.

In retirement, Marge enjoyed traveling with family and friends and was a member of Retired Public Employees Association Chapter 31. She cherished frequent trips to her lovely home on Cobb Mountain. Her cooking was near-legendary and she will be remembered for many fabulous meals in her purple dining room in Campbell.

Marge is survived by John; her husband of 54 years; her children Jeff Kirby, Julie Mitchell (Scott), Craig Kirby, Dennis Kirby and Mary Beth Kirby. She was the proud grandmother to her grandsons John Clyde and Miles. She is also survived by her sister Kathie Pardi of Sacramento; brother Joe Drolz (Michelle) of San Jose and brother-in-law Mike Howard of Sparks, NV.

A memorial service will be held at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary on June 21st at 3:00pm. The family wishes to celebrate her life by inviting relatives and friends to enjoy a meal at her home following services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to March of Dimes or American Lung Association

Lima Family Santa ClaraMortuary

(408)296-2977

Arrangements under the direction of Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, Santa Clara, CA.