PAT J KIRK

Pat J Kirk, fondly known as “Nanny”, a beautiful mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to many, went to be with the Lord on October 24, 2022.  She was born on July 24, 1940 in Fort Lincoln, North Dakota, daughter of the late Clarence and Alvina (Kallenberger) Fahey.  She grew up as a military dependent, and as a child arrived to Washington State, which was her home for the majority of her life.

Due to her mother’s terminal illness and the demands of her father’s Army career, Pat along with her sisters were often placed with relatives and sometimes foster family for their care.  Although tragic, during these childhood years the Lord crafted Pat’s great passion for family and the gift to Love. 

Married for 25 years, Pat was blessed with her four children, 16 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren.  She wanted a family more than anything, and the Lord did not disappoint.  Her family was her greatest joy and she was always willing to sacrifice much for them.   She was courageous and didn’t let life’s circumstances give her an excuse or prevent her from thriving.  Her love for her children, gave them the courage to chase their own dreams and she always remained their biggest cheerleader.   Rooted in the love of Jesus and her Catholic faith, she handled all that life brought her, and at the same time, demonstrated the same love and generosity to all her family and friends.  She never let a grandchild leave without first a hug and saying “I love you this much” with arms spread wide.

Pat lived most of her adult life in Graham, Washington.  It was there that she met her life-long best friend Dot Greene and her husband Byron, while volunteering for the fire department.  Pat loved to sit and debate life’s topics for hours with Dot, and the two developed an unbreakable bond, which Pat cherished the rest of her life.  Shortly after moving to Graham, the family designed and built their own house.  This was a true family adventure, and one of Pat’s best memories was splitting and installing the roof cedar shakes with family and friends.  This house became her sanctuary, and she had great joy hosting within it family events and holiday parties over the years. 

Upon a 21-year career working for Washington State Employment Security Department, Pat retired and enjoyed visiting and spending time with her family and friends.  The introduction of mobile phone unlimited data plans was like winning the lottery for her, and she took every advantage of the service.  After many years on her own, Pat moved in with her son and his family.  She enjoyed living as a quasi-military dependent in the US Air Force, and traveling the country and witnessing the beauty of many other states.

 The last five years, Pat lived in Niceville, Florida.  She continued to spend her time visiting with family and friends, and enjoyed her weekly discussions at the Niceville Senior Center.  She loved drinking her morning coffee while sitting next to the pool, and watching the birds and her grandchildren play.

Pat is survived by her daughter Karen Hart and her husband Brett, daughter Cheryl Hoffman and her husband Mark, daughter Micki McCulloch, and son Keith Kirk and wife Karen; grandchildren: Crystal, Daniel, Tessa, Mindy, Nathan, Josh, Joe, Ashley, Dawson, Austin, Julie, Megann, Jessica, Ethan, Aidan, and Sarah; great grandchildren: Hailey, Seth, Sophia, Cooper, Jailyn, Donovan, Madison, Harper, Bodie, Teagan, Mila, Tilton, Ava, Lilly, Boone, Colton, Lucy, Samuel, Michael, Maria, and Matthew.  Pat will also be dearly missed by her beloved dog, Charlie.

Pat was preceded in passing by her parents; sister’s Judith, Janice, and Sandy; son-in-law Howie McCulloch; and grandchild Nathan Hoffman.

Nanny, you will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace knowing your family is your legacy. Your love will forever be found in each one of our hearts.  We love you this much <--------0-------->.

A Funeral Mass for Pat was held November 4, 2022 at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Niceville FL. The family is planning for a Memorial Service and Internment at Eatonville WA, date to be determined.  Donations in remembrance of Pat, may be made to Cub Scouts Pack 556, and either dropped off or mailed to Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1200 Valparaiso Blvd, Niceville, FL 32578.