Our tiny but feisty mom/grandma/great grandma passed away at home on Tuesday, December 29, 2020. She was 89 years old though she was fond of telling everyone that she was 80.
Mom raised her 3 daughters with our dad, Allen Kirby. She was widowed in her 40’s and when she met and then married our step dad, Sym English, she was ready for the new adventures that their 25 years together brought.
Most of mom’s life was spent living in Bolton where she taught at the old Albert Street Public School as well as James Bolton and Ellwood schools. She loved the family cottage in Owen Sound as it brought back cherished memories of her childhood with her parents Dr Wilson and Lily Helen Bedell, and her siblings Betty, Harold, Helen and Bill.
Her daughters Lee (Peter), Kim (Tom) and Dana (John) and her grandchildren Emma (Nathan), Alexander and Matthew will miss her witty sarcasm and her spirit. Though she only met her great grandson Griffin once through a window, he will continue to hear our wonderful memories about her for years to come.
The Lord Dufferin Centre in Orangeville was the place she called home for the past 5 years. There are no words that can express our gratitude to the amazing team at Lord Dufferin who helped to ensure her last years were filled with fun, love and compassion.
Mom stayed as independent as she could be right to the end and she died on her terms. She will forever be missed.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Laurie Laughlin-Hillier
Wishing your family peace in all the wonderful memories you share. So sad not to offer hugs of condolence at this strange time in history.
You’re in our thoughts and in our hearts.
Lynn & John Robertson
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Marg Kirby (as she was then) taught both of our children at Ellwood P.S. Marg was also my teacher of TaiChi at the Seniors’ Centre – she had a real flair for teaching. The class was always fun as well.
Your mother was a wonderful woman and will be missed by anyone who knew her.
Krista Venning
So sorry for your loss. Mrs. Kirby was a favourite teacher of mine. She was such a caring teacher. RIP
Jeanette Galbraith
Your mom had long amazing life and she had 3 loving daughters. She will be at peace now, sending our condolences to your family.
Love Mark and Jeanette
Cam Lindsey
Sorry to hear of Marg’s passing. She was a vibrant, personable active lady, very pleasant to chat with. We had many nice visits. Marg always had a twinkle in her eye and was fond of telling me stories of her children and grandkids. She will be missed by many. Condolences to all of her family.
Elaine Fior
Dana
Your Mom sounds like a wonderful woman that lived life to the fullest.
We are sorry for you loss.
Lou and Elaine
Doug Kirby
Lee, Kim, and Dana & Family’s my sincere condolences on your mother’s passing. Cherish the memories.
Don Kirby
My Condolences to Lee, Kim & Dana and to there families.
Don kirby
My Condolences to Lee, Kim, & Dana and to your families. Fond Memoirs over the years and at a few government functions.
Lynn Pocock
Sending love and light to all of you. What a full life she lived with her loving family so close by. So many memories to cherish and I know you will keep her spirit alive.
Janet Hawkins
I am so sorry for your loss.
Marg was a wonderful mentor to a young teacher but foremost a wonderful person.
She brought such joy to Ellwood !
She had a wicked sense of humour which guided young teachers to understand and listen to her message of the Essenes of the ability to shape the character of young people. Plus her knowledge of classroom management and programs were so helpful to really develop the work ethic needed to truly be a teacher. The hours it took to learn to search for strategies beyond the text book to help each young mind. To be positive in that search not to give up but to pursue it.
She will certainly be remembered by lots of her students and this thankful young teacher for her commitment and her friendship. Thank you for doing what you did so well.
Patty (Sinclair) Norris
I remember her well as my teacher at Elwood public school. She has always been 1 of my favourite teachers and I recognized her kind face and smile right away. She gave me a Christmas card and it was a little mouse dressed as an angel and her comment inside said something about being blessed by an angel. How sweet!! And very memorable. My condolences to her family
Elizabeth Gibb
Your Mom was an extraordinary ly kind and passionate teacher.
A rarity.
Please know she is remembered and left a lasting impact on many lives.
I enjoyed everyday I got to soend with her. Braiding rugs and writing stories
XX
Darcy Hilliard Franke
Lee, Kim, Dana & families. Very sorry for the loss of your Mom.
Darcy Hilliard Franke
Tobi
Lee, Kim,Dana and family
Our condolences from my entire family to yours.
Marg’s laugh and smile are lasting marks on myself and my family. She always had her hand in something in the community. She joined laughter yoga and offered demos of tai chi at schools. When we were children Marg was my second mother. So many fond memories growing up.
Rest In Peace Marg
Nancy Hilliard
Such an incredible person, teacher and respected her for sure.
My condolences to the family
Jocelynne
Our condolences. I always remember Marg as being welcoming, generous, and warm-hearted. Always smiling and quick to laugh. Much love and hugs to the entire family – Jocelynne, Ron, Evelyn and Sadie
Yvette mchugh
Mrs Kirby,
Was one of those special few teachers out there that are remembered with fondness.
Thank you for all that you did.
Howard and Sharon Venning
Our deepest condolences to Lee, Kim, Dana and their families. Your Mom was such a lovely lady, always a smile for everyone. She was a great teacher and will be remembered by lots of students and their parents. RIP
Margaret Ford
Fond memories of our time together volunteering at Chez Thrift. Marg was a very kind, lovely lady and we had lots of laughs. My condolences to the family.
RIP Marg.
Romanyk Family
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our condolenceses to Lee, Dana, and Kim and their respective families. Your mother was a lovely woman and a good neighbour and friend. We spent many aftrenoons sharing a cup of tea , a laugh, stories about our families, and showing each other our latest knitting project. We will always remember her kindness, her laughter, and her friendly smile.
Paula Sanderson
Remembering my dearest friend, Marg Bedell, Kirby, English and remembering all the many times we were together over the years. I will not forget our friendship. To Lee, kim andDana. My condolences to you and your families.THANK YOU kim for all your kind words and keeping in touch. I will miss my calls to your Mom. Xxxxxoooo
Ruth Hunt
Richard and I send our deepest sympathy in the loss of your dear mother
Steve & Candy (Camplin) Derbyshire
Our deepest sympathy is extended to Lee, Kim, Dana and families on the loss of your beloved Mom.
Cherish your memories
RIP
Christine Leavens and Ken Graham
There have been many beautiful memories of Margaret back to the l950’s. At that time, she arrived in Bolton as a young teacher at the old Albert St. School where she taught most (if not all) the children in Bolton. As the town grew, she moved on to James Bolton and Ellwood Public Schools where she was highly respected until her retirement. In later years, when meeting,she always had a warm smile and pleasant manner. She enjoyed visiting and was anxious to chat about her family and events from days past. Margaret was a wonderful lady, and we thank her for the great memories she left to her family, her students and her friends. Sincerely, Christine Leavens and Ken Graham
Diane (Ewart) Burton
I have fond memories of Mrs. Kirby, my grade 2 teacher and our class at Albert Street School, 1967.
Sending condolences to her daughters and their families.
Marilyn and Jack Conway
Marg was a caring and respected educator. She had a wonderful sense of humour and was well thought of by all the staff at Ellwood Public School. Her kind and thoughtful ways were appreciated by her students and those who were lucky enough to work with her. Our sincere condolences to Lee, Peter and all the family.
Jack and Marilyn Conway
Jude
Dear Lee and family: So very sad to hear of your mom’s passing so soon after this strange Christmas season. Hoping the warm memories and all the things that present themselves daily to remind you of her will be of some comfort. We can only aspire to live our lives like her. Sending sympathy and condolences to all of you. Really tough to grow up…always a daughter. Love ya.
Cheri Temple (Rochon)
I had Mrs.English for two years at Ellwood. One of my favourite teachers. Always so positive and very intuitive to her students. She will be greatly missed. An amazing soul!
Sending my condolences to her family.
Rik Hawkins
Well, I’m still wiping away tears. One of my public school teachers, Janet, whom I’m now honored to call my friend, informed me of the passing of her fellow teacher Margaret English. It didn’t sink in until I read a bit further “OMG, she’s Mrs. Kirby!!!”
I adored Mrs Kirby. She taught me in grade 1 and grade 2. She had such patience, always took time with us when we had difficulties, and had our love and respect when she spoke. Her catch phrase I remember was “you’re pulling my leg!!”
I’m so fortunate to have many teachers I’ve loved as Facebook friends now, but other than the last great big hug I received from her on my last day of grade 6, I have not had contact with her since. Tearfully I told her then how much I was going to miss her and thanked her for everything. She signed my book
“The world is like a mirror, reflecting what you do, and if you’re always smiling, it will smile back at you”.
I still have that book somewhere.
Rest peacefully Mrs Kirby – we all loved you dearly.
Theresa & Wayne Stoddart
Our sincere condolences to your family.
Wayne & Theresa Stoddart
Scott and Jayne Stoddart
We were sorry to hear of Aunt Marg’s passing…lots of fond memories growing up in Bolton as a member the extended Kirby family and will never forget her smile. Our thoughts are with Lee, Kim, Dana & families.
Scott & Jayne Stoddart
Monty Laskin, CEO
Marg was a Chez Thrift volunteer for many years and taught me a thing or two about customer service and serving one’s community. She was a cherished volunteer for Caledon Community Services, revered by us all for her energy, warmth, kindness and infectious welcoming smile. On behalf of everyone within CCS, please accept our condolences on the loss of this extraordinarily wonderful woman.
Jenny ogden
To thé family off Marg English. So very story To hear off your Moms passing. I first met Marg at Elwood School in 1980. She taught both my girls. Later we used to meet for coffee in town the odd time. Then she taught Tia Chi. Which I also did for many years. She was one of my favourite people always upbeat and happy. Full of fun and always smiling. Rest in peace Marg.
Bernadette Robb
So very sorry to hear of the loss of a wonderful, kind and gentle lady. Don Robb has fond memories of Mrs. Kirby’s classes at BPS ! She always had a nice smile for you whenever we met! Such a sweet lovely lady with a magical personality that made everyone who met her feel important. Our sincere condolences to Lee and the family on the passing of their dear Mother.
Darlene Avram
Sending sincere condolences to the Family.
I met and knew Marg while living at the River’s Edge Condominium in Bolton. She was a delightful woman with many stories to share. Marg always had a smile on her face and we got to know each other during our social chats in the condo’s library. She was a very sweet lady and will be missed.
Rest In Peace Marg.
Darlene Avram
Christine Nelson
Lee , Kim and Dana.
My sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. Hold all your great memories close to your heart to help you through this most difficult time.
John Traynor
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family
Larry and Cheryl Soper
Lee, Kim and Dana
Our Deepest Sympathy in loss of your Mom. I remember her smile and when I looked at her picture it was still the same. Memories of us growing up across the road from you came back to me. May your cherished memories make the days ahead a little easier.
Cheryl (Camplin) Soper and Larry Soper
Catherine
I will remember Marg as a friendly and feisty lady with a kind heart and a lovely smile! I certainly enjoyed my many chats with her when she was a volunteer at Chez Thrift. My condolences to the family at this sad time.
Catherine Adair
Caledon Community Services
Jeff Stoddart
My condolences to Lee, Kim, Dana and your families. Not only was I blessed to have your mom as a wonderful great Aunt but I was also lucky enough to have her for a teacher. I still remember getting in trouble for calling her Auntie Marg in class.
Patricia bell
Our sincere condolences for the family. The Morrison’s
Arlene Markle
Lee, Kim & Dana,
Our condolences to all of you, our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I have fond memories from years ago with you girls & your parents. Margie always had a sweet smile & Allen had a story to tell. May she Rest In Peace.
Sincere sympathy, Peter & Arlene(Dick) Markle
Eliesa Jacobsen Bolton
My sincere condolences for the loss of your dear mother. I took Ti Chi classes from Margaret for over 8 years. She was so devoted to our group and had a lot of patience with us.
Sincere sympathy, Eliesa Jacobsen
Valerie Jones
I fondly remember Marg as a fellow teacher at Ellwood Memorial P.S. Her gentle, caring manner and bright smile made the learning of the many interesting things going on in her classroom a wonderful experience for the children. She was one of several experienced, competent and dedicated teachers who were role models for me to look up to as a new teacher and I will always be thankful for them. I extend my sincere condolences to all her family.