Remembering Pearl Kirke

Born on October 19, 1928 in Toronto, Pearl passed away in Midland on November 19, 2013, one month after celebrating her 85^th birthday with her family. Pearl was beautiful, inside and out. Her family and friends will always remember her for her kind heart, love of life, ability to befriend anyone, and gorgeous smile. Loved and adored by all who met her, Pearl will be forever missed and remembered by her two children, Deborah Orser (Gord) and Gary Kirke (Diane), three grandchildren, Lauren Hulme (Reid Crombie), Darren Hulme and Justin Kirke, brother Gordon Kirke, nieces, nephews, and friends. Pearl’s beloved husband of over 62 years, Charles Kirke, sister Irene Gibson (Wilfred), parents Addie-Jane and John Bailey, all predecease Pearl and now embrace her in heaven. As a loving mother, proud grandmother, caring sister, adoring aunt, well-mannered daughter, adorable niece, fun friend, kind acquaintance and friendly stranger, Pearl shared her love and enthusiasm for life with all she encountered, touching countless lives along her journey. In 1950, Pearl graduated at the top of her class from the Toronto East General and Orthopaedic Hospital School of Nursing, and then worked as an extraordinary Public Health Nurse in North York for almost four decades. Pearl was perfectly suited to be a nurse; she was charming, caring, empathetic, sensitive and intelligent. In 1989, Pearl retired with her husband to Balm Beach and later moved to Midland. While Pearl grew up in the city, her heart was always in the country where she could swim in Georgian Bay, cross-country ski through the forest, and listen to the birds chirping on her balcony. A memorial service is to be held to celebrate Pearl’s life at Carson Funeral Home – J.H. Lynn Chapel in Midland on Sunday December 8^th, 2013. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 a.m, followed by a service at 10:30 a.m., and then a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the OSPCA, in honour of Pearl’s love for animals. “Long may you Live, Long may you Love, and Long may you be Happy.” – Robert Burns