Kazimiera "Kay" E. Kirby

October 24, 1939 - May 20, 2020

Kazimiera "Kay" Elizabeth (Janecki) Kirby, age 80 of Millville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, May 20, 2020, after an extended illness.   Born in Poland to the late Rudolph and Maria (Czech) Janecki, Kay was raised in Millville, where she graduated from Millville High School, Class of 1958. She and her husband, Berwyn moved to Southern California for about 10 years where she worked as a bank teller at Beverly Hills Savings and Loan. Upon returning to the East Coast, she went on to attend Glassboro State College, where she earned her BA in Education.   Kay taught third through fifth grades at Hopewell Elementary School for over 25 years, and retired.  She was a gifted and extremely dedicated educator and was deeply devoted to her students. In addition to her teaching career, she and her husband co-owned Kirby’s Club 31.   Kay was a warm and gracious woman who always had a ready-smile that would light up any room. She loved all wildlife, was dedicated to environmental protection and was a proud longtime member of Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries.  She enjoyed taking the dogs for a swim in the Menantico Creek, loved the Jersey Shore, and was often found surf fishing on the beautiful shorelines of Stone Harbor with her late husband and best friend, Berwyn.   Kay was a loving daughter, wife, mother and grandmother, and treasured the time that she was able to share with her family, especially her grandchildren who she loved so very much.   Kay will be sadly missed by her two daughters, Marjorie Kirby of Tallahassee, FL and Mary Ann Westerfield and husband David of Pittsgrove; one brother Al Janecki of Millville; and four grandchildren: Virginia and husband to be Kosta; Kaitlyn and husband Bradley; Kayley; and Kirby. She will also be missed by Clara Kirby who was married to her husband’s predeceased brother, Ellis. She was predeceased by her loving husband Berwyn Kirby in January 2020; one sister Christine Ryschkow; and one brother Danny Janecki.   A private Graveside Service for Kay was conducted in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Millville.   Arrangements are under the direction of the Christy Funeral Home, Millville.   Memorial contributions in memory of Kay may be made to the National Alzheimer's Foundation, 322 8th Ave. 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001 or at the website: alzfdn.org.   Memories and expressions of sympathy for Kazimiera Elizabeth Kirby may be shared on the Obituary Tribute Wall at: www.christyfuneralservice.com.