On Sunday, September 29, 2019, Mary Frances Kirby passed away at the age of 79. Mary Frances was born September 11, 1940 as the second child to Milton and Blanche (Ramsey) Bowen of Saint Leonard, Maryland. She was one of their six children and first born daughter. She graduated from Calvert High School in 1960.

She married Charles "Shorty" Kirby on September 23, 1961 and they were blessed with two sons, Charles "Chuck" Norman Kirby Jr. in 1963 and Gary Lee Kirby in 1969. Mary Frances was a lifetime member of Calvert County, recently residing in Prince Frederick.

Mary enjoyed keeping a clean home, cooking, baking, and keeping in contact with her friends on the phone. She also had a strong passion for caring for her family and her place of worship, Waters Memorial Church, where the most important events in her life took place. You could often find her dancing, singing, bowling Duckpins, listening to music, and attending blue grass festivals. She enjoyed visiting Ocean City along with beloved aunt, Annie Mary.

Earlier in her career, she worked as a waitress at Rustic Farms, Benedict Pier, and Shorter's. She eventually retired in 2005 after a long career with the Calvert County Board of Education serving as the Cafeteria Manager at Appeal Elementary.

Mary Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Blanche, her brothers: Milton "Jr. Boy", Charlie, Lee, and her youngest son, Gary. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Charles Kirby Sr., her brother Robert (JoAnne), her sister Sally, son Charles Kirby Jr. (Kim), Grandsons, Eric (Tara) and Jason, Great Grandchildren, Addison, Austin, and Ashton, and many nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Waters Memorial United Methodist Church, 5400 Mackall Road, St. Leonard, MD 20685. A Funeral Service will be conducted by Pastor Brian Berger on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Waters Memorial United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

As a person of great faith, she has asked that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to Waters Memorial United Methodist Church Building Fund, 5400 Mackall Road, St. Leonard, MD 20685.

We would like to extend our thanks to the Calvert Hospice House for loving and caring for Mary Frances as we did. She will remain forever in our hearts.