Virginia “Vir” M. Kirk of Chesterfield, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025, at Hood River Post Acute Care Center in Hood River, Oregon. Vir was born on June 24th, 1930, to Ernest L. and Ethel B. Dodge at their farmhouse in Chesterfield. She was predeceased in death by her parents, her husband, Norman F. Kirk of Chesterfield, and four siblings; Elliot B. Dodge of Manchester, CT, Ruth E. Witherell of Westfield, MA, Dorothy P. Roberts of Chesterfield, MA, and William H. Dodge of Hadley, MA. She is survived by her daughter, Joyce V. Murphy of Hood River, OR, her grandchildren, Kimberly J. Millhollin and Darren N. Bates, both of Fairview, OR; and her great grandchildren, Mackenzie M. Bates, Alexis L. Bates and Ayla R. Bates of Fairview, OR.

On October 30th, 1947, Vir married Norm Kirk and they lived in Chesterfield until his passing in 2016. She then moved to Oregon to live with her daughter and son-in-law. It was a big move for her, but she handled it well.

After their marriage, Norm and Vir bought a farmhouse in Chesterfield and ran their own dairy farm there for a few years. Vir loved the Holstein cows and had a name for each one! In the mid 50’s, they sold the cows to pursue different adventures. Vir wrote about how Norm bought an airplane at 40 years old, and how they then traveled to every state but four. She loved to fly from the backyard to Jaffery, NH for scallops at the airport restaurant – and to go up in the fall when the colorful foliage was at its peak.

Vir was a member of the First Congregational Church in Chesterfield where she sang in the choir for many years, and volunteered cooking church suppers. She was also a member of the Chesterfield Grange and the Mother’s Club. She sang in minstrel shows in town in the 50’s, and later in life was a cook, bus driver and custodian at the Davenport School (all at the same time!) in Chesterfield. Norm helped a lot with custodial duties.

Vir was famous for her good nature, fun and laughter, and her love for children. She loved to sing and dance (western style square dancing). She enjoyed art, music, moped riding, and raising rabbits. But her all-time favorite hobby was fishing for brook trout, which she took very seriously. She is also remembered in Chesterfield for making and sharing homemade root beer and pies. As everyone knows, her favorite treat was ice cream! – Hot fudge sundaes with chocolate ice cream.

Vir possessed a deep love for life and all of its little miracles. May she bring love and laughter to those in heaven, and fond memories to us who remain.

There will be a Celebration of Life on June 20th, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the First Congregational Church in Chesterfield. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Congregational Church, P.O. Box 56, Chesterfield, MA 01012.