Helen Elizabeth Kirby

Helen Elizabeth Kirby, 81, of Niceville, Florida passed away on May 6, 2023, after a battle with pulmonary fibrosis. She was amazingly strong to the end where she was surrounded by her devoted family.

Helen was born on October 19, 1941, to Michael & Harriet Doyle in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. After high school, in 1962, she met her future husband and love of her life, Robert L. Kirby, who was stationed in the U.S. Navy in Argentia Newfoundland. They were married for almost 60 years, and they lived a vibrant life around the world including the Philippines and Panama. They retired in Florida.

Helen and Robert had three girls, Kelly, Kim and Karen who will miss her presence every day. Helen loved her girls and being a homemaker. She was the most loving, selfless, and supportive Mother and Wife. She was the Rock of the family.     

Helen’s passions, in addition to her family and dogs, were golfing and quilting. She loved being a member of the Rocky Bayou Golf community. There are people all over the world with beautiful quilts made with love. She was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Harriet (Halliday) Doyle; Brothers Steven, Maxwell, Joseph, Patrick, and Michael. Helen is survived by her loving husband, Captain Robert L. Kirby, and her daughters Kelly Kirby, Kim Kirby (Leonard Martin), and Karen Kirby Laverty (Michael Laverty). She will also be missed by her brothers, Edward (Valgene), Johnny (Rosalind), and Gilbert, and sisters Agnes Rablin (John), Laura McCabe (Martin), Theresa Scott, and Lorraine Webber (Mark), as well as her sister-in-law, Gen Doyle, and many nieces and nephews. Helen will also be missed by many friends who became like family.

Heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Destin Pulmonary Critical Care and Twin Cities Hospital. Services will be held at Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Church in Niceville on June 10, 2023, at 11 am. A celebration of life will follow at the Rocky Bayou County Club from 1 pm to 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.mclaughlintwincities.com

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