KIRK, Eleanor, 99, of Hillsdale, NJ, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 23, 2026, surrounded by many family members. Born in the Bronx, NY to Francis and Margaret Maxwell. Beloved wife of the late Thomas Kirk; loving mother of Thomas R. Kirk Jr. and his wife Brenda, Hillsdale, NJ, the late John L. Kirk and his wife Karen, Ramsey, NJ, the late Kevin J. Kirk and his wife Catherine, Washington Township, NJ, Patrick Kirk and his wife Rita, Ramsey, NJ, Colleen Kirk-Hehir and her husband Cyril, Hillsdale, NJ, and the late Peggy McNamara and her husband Neil, Hillsdale, NJ; cherished grandmother of 20; and great grandmother of 16 with two on the way. Loving sister of predeceased siblings: Dorothy Jacobson, Loretta Deperte and James Maxwell. She also held a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephews.
Eleanor lived life at full speed—whether she was crafting, making jewelry, or visiting nursing homes to bring people comfort. Her favorite summers were spent in Schroon Lake surrounded by family and friends across her five cabins and cottage. If anyone dared to complain about being bored, Eleanor immediately handed them a paintbrush and sent them to work on one of the cabins.
She was a true master of the garage sale, always hunting down a bargain alongside her sister-in-law Mary. At home, she cooked for an army—feeding every kid, family member, and friend who walked through the door—and her freezer was perpetually stocked with ice cream sandwiches and Little Debbie treats. Above all, she loved her grandchildren, whether she was helping out with them or spoiling them with back scratches.
Eleanor’s family holds a grateful heart for the Duke and Schwartzman families, who lovingly opened their home to her when her mother passed away when Eleanor was an infant. The family is also deeply thankful to all of the caretakers who gave Eleanor such wonderful care and comfort.
She will be deeply missed and remembered every time her family spots a great bargain.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Sisters of St. Dominic’s. Donations can be made on their website at http://www.opblauvelt.org/giving
or by check mailed to: 496 Western Highway, Blauvelt NY, 10913 ATTN: Kerrin Kissel
