Heather Roberts Kirby, one of the finest humans on the face of the planet, left this plane of existence on Monday, March 22nd at the young age of 82.

She was born on September 8, 1938 in Manhattan, NY to two additionally excellent humans, Elliott and Lydia (Byrne) Roberts.

She was an active Brownie and Girl Scout thanks to Lydia, but gave up those outdoor pursuits to become a talented singer and actress at Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood, New Jersey. And, oh, yes, she was a student, too, and graduated. She then had an exciting year at the University of Vermont, so exciting, in fact, that Elliott decided she needed a short stay in Europe, after which she was instructed to enroll at the Merchant and Bankers School of Business in Manhattan, NY. Heather was a Secretary/Office Manager extraordinaire for the Vice President of Radio City Music Hall, New York Presbyterian Hospital, and J. Walter Thompson Advertising. After finally deciding to settle down, she married Harry Scott Kirby on June 22, 1963 in Englewood, NJ. Her career during marriage was being Scott’s right hand in everything concerning his ministry and a mother to two entertaining, if sometimes annoying, children, Cheryl and Robert. She gave to them and to Scott her enduring love and gifts for the arts, literature, music, theatre, whimsy, and the total belief that the imagination can make the world a more beautiful place. Her son, Robert, found it difficult to find that belief, so left this earth slightly before Heather. Even so, Scott and Cheryl know he was waiting for his Mama and that they are together creating magic. Scott and Cheryl will be lost without these two and are hopeful signs of their otherworldly shenanigans will reach them on occasion. Heather was Director of Christian Education at Christ Church Cathedral in Eau Claire, where she started the area’s first cookie walk, which still takes place annually during Heather’s favorite time of year; Christmas! After Scott’s retirement as Dean of Christ Cathedral, Heather took her religious strength and skills to St. Simeon’s Church in Chippewa Falls as a vestry member, assisting with the fall Apple Festival and other duties.

She is survived by her husband, The Very Reverend Father Scott Kirby of Altoona, WI; her daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl Kirby-Stokes and Mike Stokes of Rockfield, Kentucky; three grandchildren, Jessica, Brandon, and Austin; and three great grandchildren, Emalyn, Ethan, and Emmett.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Robert Kirby, and her equally beloved parents, Elliott and Lydia Roberts.

Funeral services will be held at a later date, and burial will take place in Quonochontaug, RI.

Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is in charge of the arrangements.

Last Update: Mar 25, 2021 2:40 pm CDT