Known for her sense of humor, love of the beach and times spent with family and friends

NORTH READING — Jean Theresa (Helmholtz) Kirby, the beloved wife of the late Donald F. Kirby, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2024 at the age of 93.

Born in Boston on October 13, 1930 and raised in Somerville, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Helen (McArdle) Helmholtz.

Jean was a graduate of Somerville High School, class of 1948. After attending Chandler School for Women, she married the love of her life, Donald, in 1954. They raised their children in Bedford and Reading. She worked as a secretary for many years and retired from Arthur Coolidge Middle School in Reading in 1993.

Jean was happiest spending time with her family. She had many fond memories of times spent with family and friends at White Horse and Priscilla Beaches in Plymouth. She treasured her lifelong friendships with her high school friends – the “Club” as they were known. Jean was fun loving and had a great sense of humor. She was loved dearly by her family and friends and will be deeply missed.

Jean was the devoted mother of Kevin C. Kirby and his wife Jean D. of North Reading, Mark F. Kirby and his wife Sandra of North Reading, Kimberly A. Robbins and her husband James of Merrimac, and the late Paul V. Kirby. She was the cherished grandmother of Donald Kirby and his wife Tina, Sarah Kirby and her fiancé Carl, David Kirby and his girlfriend Kasia, Scott McNeil and Nicole McNeil, Christopher Kirby and his wife Madeline, Shaylin Lawrence and her husband Jason, and Michael Kirby. She was also the great-grandmother of Stephen, Ryan, Alyssa, Isabella, Arianna, Lyla and Luca, and the great-great-grandmother of Kylaa. Jean was the beloved sister of the late Helen Marie Buckley. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews and dear friends.

Funeral services will be held from the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St., North Reading (corner of Park Street and Rte. 28 at the Reading line) on Monday, August 5 at 9:30 a.m. All are invited to celebrate a funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter St., North Reading, at 10:30 a.m. Burial to be held privately.

Family and friends are cordially invited to visiting hours at the funeral home on Sunday, August 4, from 4 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jean’s memory to a charity of your choice.