In Memory of MARION RITA KIRK
Marion Rita Kirk passed away peacefully December 7, 2005 at Pilgrim Haven, Los Altos. Born Marion Rita Bernero, on May 6, 1925, a first generation Italian-American. Marion grew up on the West Side of Chicago, where she went on to become the first college graduate in her family (DePaul, 1947). She also worked in the city, in the printing business and in personnel, where she wrote hard copy for her less-literate boss.
Married in 1950 to Dr. Paul F. Kirk, she moved to South Bend, IN, then to Philadelphia, to Johannesburg, South Africa, to Levittown, PA, to Villanova, PA, to Columbus, OH, to Los Altos (in 1966), to Davis, CA and finally back home. Along the way, she delivered and raised 10 children, including Rita, who preceded her in death in 1958. Marion also managed to do all the cooking, cleaning, shopping, sewing, moving, diaper changing and boo-boo kissing for her husband and children.
Marion was active in every Catholic community where she lived, especially St. Nicholas Church, for which she served on the Parish Council and was named Parishioner of the Year. Marion was also active in religious education and the Pastoral Ministry, going out into her communities to provide comfort for the infirm and to dispense the sacrament of Holy Communion to those otherwise physically unable to receive it. A tireless organizer, Marion was instrumental in the formation and success of New Dawn, a local support group for divorced Catholics (she was also active in another such group in Davis).
Marion was ever at the vanguard of progressive thought and action, on civil rights, divorce and other matters of political, spiritual and religious importance. A voracious reader, a consummate thinker and a not-too-shabby conversationalist, learned people from all walks of life would draw on her knowledge, seeking the insights and perspectives that come only from having lived life in the real world. Marion’s always-active mind never slowed down and in recent years she served on numerous committees at Pilgrim Haven. She was also a driving force behind the written history created for Pilgrim Haven’s 50th Anniversary.
Marion was an accomplished seamstress, an incredible cook and a lover of nature and art, of history and mysteries, of literature, music, travel and all of God’s gifts to human kind. Most importantly, Marion was a loving mother, grandmother and friend to so many.
She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Gail Bernero of Gaithersburg, MD; by her children James, Alice, Elizabeth, Gregory, Brien, Cathleen, Michael, Martin and Christopher; by her 17 grandchildren and by her countless friends. She is loved and missed by them all.
Services have been held. Please, no flowers (that was not Marion’s style), but any desire to give to your favorite charity, in her honor, will be well received.
