Helene Ann Smith Kirby was born in Albany, New York on Jan. 22, 1941, the eldest of five children. She attended schools in the Albany area, and then graduated from the College of New Rochelle in 1962. She met John J. “Jay” Kirby III on a blind date at West Point (United States Military Academy) while both were in college. They were married on June 16, 1962.
She served proudly as an Army wife through 11 moves to and from Germany. Through all of this, she found time for her love of swimming instruction in which she earned the title of instructor trainer.
Visitation will be on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church from 10-11 a.m. A mass of Christian burial will begin at 11 a.m. at the church with Father John O’Donnell, OSB, officiating.
She died Dec. 4, 2017, leaving her husband of 55 years, John J. Kirby III; two sons, John J. “Sean” Kirby IV and Timothy George Kirby; brother, Timothy Smith; daughter, V. Marit Klein; sister, Christine Tanski; brother-in-law, Jim Tanski; as well as nine grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Grace Elizabeth Kirby, and her parents, Henry and Grace Smith.
An online guest book may be signed at greenviewmemorial.com.
Arrangements are by Greenview Funeral Home.
