Obituary for Virginia Kirby Albright
Peacefully, on January 2, age 100 in her longtime home in Mt. Lebanon, PA. Beloved wife of the late John Clayton Kirby and the late Charles L. Albright Jr.; and loving mother of the late John C. Kirby Jr., Kathleen Wanke Ehrensberger of Dayton, OH, Nancy Kirby Souder of Brewster, MA and Anne Kirby Glaid (Timothy) of Upper St. Clair, PA. Survived by sister Patricia Hardman of Elmira, NY and preceded in death by sister Vera Brown and brother Frederick Nelson Gillespie.
Virginia was born on June 20, 1922, in Galveston, TX, to Clarence and Vera Gillespie. Virginia’s early years were spent in Galveston and Houston, until her family relocated to Pittsburgh, PA. She graduated from Peabody High School and Chatham College, where she earned a degree in education. She lived in Canton, OH for many years with her husband and four children, and after his death, she remarried and relocated to Pittsburgh. Virginia was a teacher in the Mt. Lebanon School District and furthered her education with a graduate degree from Duquesne University.
In her hundred years, Virginia experienced great joy and tragedy on both personal and worldwide levels, and handled all with aplomb. When, due to the sudden death of her first husband, she was faced with the crisis of being a young widow with four children, she did what was necessary to provide them a rich, wonderful life. And she instilled in each of her children the importance of education, self-sufficiency and a strong work ethic, a rarity for someone of her generation. She had a graciousness and refinement that was exemplified in the beautiful, handwritten notes that she sent to her friends and even the friends of her children almost to the end of her life. She cooked a “real” dinner and set an elegant table. She quietly provided gifts, whether they be monetary, meals, clothing or something else, to those in need, all while raising four children and working full-time. Virginia exemplified “America’s Greatest Generation.”
Among the highlights of Virginia’s life was performing at FDR’s inauguration as part of a girls harp ensemble that traveled from Galveston in 1933. She also enjoyed traveling throughout Europe and visiting family members throughout the United States. At home, she loved to spend time socializing and contributing to many associations such as PEO, Investment Group, AAUW and AIC. More than anything, it was her family that captured her heart. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, and was truly an inspiration to all. She modeled strength and practiced a strong faith in her daily life. Virginia was an indomitable woman who extended kindness and caring, demonstrating those gifts by calling on the sick, cooking and delivering food to the needy and ill, teaching her grandchildren and great grandchildren by playing endless games and doing crafts with them. She guided her family through challenging times, providing guidance with positivity and love. Priding herself in always looking her best, she began each day selecting an outfit and looking beautiful.
Devoted grandmother of Brent Kirby (Tracey), William Wanke (Elizabeth), Jill Wells (Scott), Todd Wanke (Karolina), John Wanke (Erin), Scott Glaid (Erin), Ryan Souder, Lindsay Minerd (Michael), Kristin Hall (Aaron), Elyse Acosta (Andrew). Also survived by great-grandchildren Benjamin Kirby; Aidan, Andrew and Katherine Wanke; Caroline, Connor and Cameron Wells; Karsten and Fynn Wanke; Noah, Maya and Eve Wanke; Hudson and Sawyer Glaid, Oakley, Ivy and Coral Souder; Ava, Micah and Sophia Minerd; Abigail, Theodore and Madelyn Hall; Eden, Isla and Bode Acosta.
The family would like to thank her longtime friend and companion Gwin, and devoted caregivers Theresa, Stephanie and Chris. The special times they shared will always be remembered. Thank you to Enhabit Hospice Home Care for the support and guidance provided to Virginia the past few months. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 10:30 AM. A reception at the church will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. We ask that you all honor Virginia’s spirit by performing an act of kindness for someone.
Virginia was born on June 20, 1922, in Galveston, TX, to Clarence and Vera Gillespie. Virginia’s early years were spent in Galveston and Houston, until her family relocated to Pittsburgh, PA. She graduated from Peabody High School and Chatham College, where she earned a degree in education. She lived in Canton, OH for many years with her husband and four children, and after his death, she remarried and relocated to Pittsburgh. Virginia was a teacher in the Mt. Lebanon School District and furthered her education with a graduate degree from Duquesne University.
In her hundred years, Virginia experienced great joy and tragedy on both personal and worldwide levels, and handled all with aplomb. When, due to the sudden death of her first husband, she was faced with the crisis of being a young widow with four children, she did what was necessary to provide them a rich, wonderful life. And she instilled in each of her children the importance of education, self-sufficiency and a strong work ethic, a rarity for someone of her generation. She had a graciousness and refinement that was exemplified in the beautiful, handwritten notes that she sent to her friends and even the friends of her children almost to the end of her life. She cooked a “real” dinner and set an elegant table. She quietly provided gifts, whether they be monetary, meals, clothing or something else, to those in need, all while raising four children and working full-time. Virginia exemplified “America’s Greatest Generation.”
Among the highlights of Virginia’s life was performing at FDR’s inauguration as part of a girls harp ensemble that traveled from Galveston in 1933. She also enjoyed traveling throughout Europe and visiting family members throughout the United States. At home, she loved to spend time socializing and contributing to many associations such as PEO, Investment Group, AAUW and AIC. More than anything, it was her family that captured her heart. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, and was truly an inspiration to all. She modeled strength and practiced a strong faith in her daily life. Virginia was an indomitable woman who extended kindness and caring, demonstrating those gifts by calling on the sick, cooking and delivering food to the needy and ill, teaching her grandchildren and great grandchildren by playing endless games and doing crafts with them. She guided her family through challenging times, providing guidance with positivity and love. Priding herself in always looking her best, she began each day selecting an outfit and looking beautiful.
Devoted grandmother of Brent Kirby (Tracey), William Wanke (Elizabeth), Jill Wells (Scott), Todd Wanke (Karolina), John Wanke (Erin), Scott Glaid (Erin), Ryan Souder, Lindsay Minerd (Michael), Kristin Hall (Aaron), Elyse Acosta (Andrew). Also survived by great-grandchildren Benjamin Kirby; Aidan, Andrew and Katherine Wanke; Caroline, Connor and Cameron Wells; Karsten and Fynn Wanke; Noah, Maya and Eve Wanke; Hudson and Sawyer Glaid, Oakley, Ivy and Coral Souder; Ava, Micah and Sophia Minerd; Abigail, Theodore and Madelyn Hall; Eden, Isla and Bode Acosta.
The family would like to thank her longtime friend and companion Gwin, and devoted caregivers Theresa, Stephanie and Chris. The special times they shared will always be remembered. Thank you to Enhabit Hospice Home Care for the support and guidance provided to Virginia the past few months. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 10:30 AM. A reception at the church will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. We ask that you all honor Virginia’s spirit by performing an act of kindness for someone.