Kathryn Anne Kirk

Kathryn Anne (Kennedy) Kirk, 80, of Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully in her beloved home on April 9, 2023, after a brief acquiescence to pancreatic cancer. She was born to John and Mary (Edwards) Kennedy on August 15, 1942.  A graduate of West Catholic High School for Girls, Kate proudly graduated with 12 years of perfect attendance. After school, Kate would often surreptitiously change out of her uniform and sneak over to the American Bandstand studios to dance.

Kate met Frank Kirk at a summer beach party in Margate, New Jersey where they discovered they not only shared a love of dancing, but they also shared the same birthday.

They were married on August 1, 1964, and together they ran a successful small business, traveled often, and raised four kids on bucolic Valley Forge Mountain. Kate was an avid reader and tennis player. She had a sharp wit and dominated in Jeopardy and crossword puzzles. Kate had a knack for cooking delicious comfort food and loved entertaining. She and Frank were inseparable for almost 58 years, until he passed away last July 2022.  

Kate is survived by her children, Francis (Jennifer Beck), Shawn (Erin), Kristen (Dan Mayock) and Brendan (Jennifer); grandchildren, Rousso, Marley, Liam, Ronan, Deacon, Tristan, Shay, Shawn, Maddox and Brendan, Jr.; three sisters, Marie Vicoli, Anne Teta, Barbara Sinnott and two brothers, Michael Kennedy, and Jimmy Kennedy, as well as copious cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was predeceased by her brother Jack.  

Family and close friends are welcome to attend a Celebration of Kate’s Life on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Aronimink Golf Club, 3600 St. David’s Rd, Newtown Square, PA, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kathryn (Kennedy) Kirk’s memory may be made to: West Catholic Preparatory High School, 4501 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19139, online www.westcatholic.org, or via Venmo @WestCatholic.