Patricia (Patsy) Kirby, formerly of Newport, Rhode Island, in her 94th year, peacefully at home in Churchtown, Dublin, Ireland, surrounded by her husband of 66 years, Patrick, and loving family. Born in Cork and raised in Drumcondra, Dublin, Patsy was employed in the Central Bank of Ireland and active in the Dublin Grand Opera Society and Irish National Ballet Company. She joined Irish Air Lines (Aer Lingus) when it opened its US office on Madison Avenue in Manhattan, which is where she met Newporter Patrick Kirby whom she married in Dublin in 1959.
Settling down in Newport, the newlyweds in 1961 purchased and began restoring a colonial home on Clarke Street, which was the family home for 26 years. Aside from raising a young family, and graduating from Salve Regina College, Patsy was active in Newport’s cultural, community, religious, and educational life almost from the day she arrived until she and Patrick retired to Dublin in 1997.
Whether it was trying to survive as the 7th of 12 siblings, attending school, playing camogie, ballet dancing, or opera singing, the young Patsy was always on the go. In Newport, she was a member of several choirs including Saint Joseph’s Church, Swanhurst Chorus and the Navy Choristers and worked in various capacities including as a travel agent and teacher of the Irish language. She was interested in everything but loved her music, writing, painting, faith and most of all her family. Patsy was the biggest supporter of her husband’s working and civic life, Marine Corps Reserve career, and his terms spent as a public representative, including as Mayor of Newport.
A legend among those who knew her well, she was a force of nature renowned for being forthright and vigilant. She was unique, strong, and great fun right up until the end.
She is survived by Patrick, children Michael, Owen, Éilis and Fionnuala, her daughters-in-law Paula, Stephanie and Kathryn and her son-in-law Mike, her grandchildren Méabh, Malachy, Sarah, Emma and Isaac, sisters and brothers. Predeceased by her beloved son Patrick, parents Michael and Mary and siblings May, Kitty, Elsie and Lily, and brother Ned.
Patsy was waked at home in Churchtown and her funeral mass was celebrated on May 14th in Saints Columbanus & Gall Church in Milltown, Dublin.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis
