Kathleen Kirsch
May 12, 1956 ~ September 13, 2019
Scarborough - Kathleen "Kate" Angela Kirsch, 63, died on Friday, September 13, 2019, at Maine Medical Center, as the result of a bicycle accident in Scarborough, Maine.
Kate was born on May 12, 1956, in Massena, New York, the daughter of the late Vincent F. and Margaret W. Kirsch. She graduated from Massena Central High School and went on to Syracuse University and St. Lawrence University where she studied journalism and English literature. She furthered her education later in life pursuing psychology and social work.
Kate was a substitute teacher at several local schools. She was a poet, a novelist and was at work on a novel at the time of her passing. She had always been passionate about literature, spiritual pursuits, swimming at the beach, theater and musical theater, recently joining the Portland Players. She was an active member of two writing groups, a book club, and sang in the choir of St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church in Falmouth. She will be remembered as an animal lover, especially horses, cats and dogs.
Kate gained strength and solace from her recovery communities.
She is survived by her siblings, Vincent X. Kirsch of California, Elizabeth Kirsch of Oregon, Anne Smith of Florida, Stephen J. Kirsch of Scarborough; and many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of Portland. A memorial service celebrating her life will be arranged in the near future.
If there was one quote that best summed up Kate's fearless and dynamic spirit for life, love and art, it would be this lyric by Stephen Sondheim: "I insist on miracles, if you do them! Miracles - nothing to them. I say don't... don't be afraid!"
Contributions in Kate's memory may be made to Animal Refuge League, PO Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04098
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9/21/19 I was fortunate to know Kate from 2014 until last week. I spent her last weekend with her. We went to the Thai restaurant in OOB and had a great time. Kate’s voice sounded like chimes. Over the years she read excerpts to me from her novel-in-progress, and I’d asked her what was going to happen next, and she never knew. “I have to wait to find out, just like everybody else,” she’d say.
– Steve Eisenberg
In loving memory of my dear friend, Kate
– Lele
I am a better person because of the things I learned from Kate and our shared experiences. I’ll never read the great American novel she was always working on but take comfort in memories we made. My heartfelt condolences to all the family. We met twice on the same day in February of 1990. The first time was in Boston at a Harvard Medical School office where Kate worked with a research doctor who was married to my boss. The second time was later that same day in the evening at the Harvard Square subway station in Cambridge. We walked out of the station down Mass Avenue towards our apartments only to find out that we were neighbors. You wrote your name in my heart that day where it will remain forever. I honor you for the compassion you showed for all sentient beings and your tremendous ability to empathize. Your spirit will echo in eternity. God bless your soul Kate. Rest in Peace. Love Always, Roberto
– Roberto Garcia
My childhood friend Kathy and I spent countless hours together, enjoying the carefree fun days of youth in Massena. There was always something to laugh about, good stories to share, and late-night musings during our many sleepovers. We often walked home from school together, usually waiting until after dark to finally head home, as we always had one more thing to talk about. I will remember her beautiful smile, her caring heart, and her loving friendship. I offer my condolences to her family and friends.
– Martha Scruggs