Stella Kirk

Kirk, Stella Daphne

November 5, 1923 - January 2, 2020

Stella passed away peacefully at the Duke of Devonshire Retirement Residence in her 97th year where she was very well looked after by staff. Mom said she’d had “the best party ever” with family just a few days prior.

Stella was born in East Grinstead, Sussex, England; her mother died when Stella was just 3 years old and she was brought up by her grandmother alongside her cousin. As a teenager, Stella and her cousin were volunteers at the very first plastic surgery hospital and took wounded airmen for walks in their wheelchairs as well as going to dances with them.  During WW2, Stella served in the Signal Corps of the Women’s Royal Navy Service (WRNS) where she met dashing FAA pilot James Kirk and they were married in 1943. They then emigrated to Montreal in 1947 and finally settled in Ottawa in 1966.  During their 70-year marriage they had 4 children: Patrick, Penny (deceased), Mary and James as well as 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren were born after Jim’s death in 1999.

Stella was a 53-year resident of Sherwood Drive in Ottawa. She was the epitome of a good neighbour – always there for others with food, an invitation chez Kirk or offer of help in any form. Stella was happiest at “her station” in her kitchen where she baked, preserved and presided over well-fed and grateful family and friends, many of whom she met while walking her beloved dogs, Cleo and Duchess. Legendary dinner parties were enjoyed by many. Stella was also noted for her delight in self locomotion; she rode her Raleigh all summer and skated on the canal to her jobs at Heritage Ottawa and Federated Women’s Institute and was a keep fit inspiration until shortly before her death.

There will be no funeral, but a lively celebration of her life will happen this summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the SPCA, Red Cross or charity of your choice.