Geraldine G. Kirk

Geraldine G. (Wirth) Kirk of Hollis, NH died on the warm, blue-skied morning of June 12, 2017. Gerry, 92, was the dearly loved wife of the late Oliver “Ollie” with whom she hosted many favorite holiday gatherings, especially July 4th lobster bakes, Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas Eve parties that packed their house on Stevens Pond in North Andover, MA. Before kids came along, Gerry was a bookkeeper and a skilled weaver. She had an abundance of interests and hobbies and committed herself in exceling in them, ranging from producing intricate textiles on a massive loom on her sunporch to baking quantities of delectable cookies and pies for the holidays. She also dug deep into the genealogy of the Wirth and the Kirk families and much of this work is available for the benefit of others at the Lawrence History Center which was formerly known as the Immigrant City Archives. Two very remarkable women, Jan Lemay and Carol Stone, made it possible for Gerry to remain living (somewhat!) independently in her apartment in Hollis until March of this year and she was delighted that they became her friends late in her life. Gerry loved their daily visits that could include anything ranging from Dollar Tree roses to lobster rolls, a glass of wine and laughter. Gerry is survived by her daughter Allison Phillips of MD, two grandsons who were the center of her universe, Braden Kirk of Hollis and Dylan Kirk of OK and their mom, Maureen Callahan of Exeter. Gerry sincerely felt the losses of her son, David Kirk who predeceased her in 2016 and her best friend from 3rd grade, Ruth Eichler. Gerry will be dearly missed by her brother, Allan Wirth and his wife Phyllis of Hudson, NY and their daughters, Dorothy, Christine and Betsy; cousin, Robert Heinze of Lawrence, MA and several nieces and nephews. No memorial service is planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations in celebration of Gerry’s life can be made to: Lawrence History Center, 6 Essex Street, Lawrence MA 01840 or online at lawrencehistorycenter.org.