Originally published in the Wilbraham-Hampden Times on July 9, 2020, and written by staff writer Tyler S. Witkop. Barbara Kirby '53 shared this article and credited College of Our Lady of the Elms with much influence in her life's activities. Happy Birthday, Barbara!
Some people have a natural affinity to shape the world around them. Whether it be through one's profession or personal interests, giving back in various ways can inspire the slightest changes that can make some of the most significant impacts.
One such person is Wilbraham's own Barbara Kirby, who, for more than 50 years, has played a hand in bettering the lives of others both here and in the world at large. Kirby, who will turn 90 this week, sat down with The Times to share some of her fondest memories, as she prepares to celebrate her birthday during a pandemic that has made it difficult for families to gather for such occasions.
Kirby's passion for helping the local community stems from her career as an educator. For 30 years, she taught kindergarten in Springfield Public Schools, spending 25 of them in Sixteen Acres classrooms. "I loved school," she said, noting even as a child she enjoyed learning. As an educator, she discovered that "children changed so much from the beginning to the end [of the school year], you could see the development."
Since her retirement, Kirby has continued to inspire young children. This is true most visibly here in Wilbraham, where she coordinated the annual DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) Reader program at Stony Hill Elementary School through the Wilbraham Women's Club for the last four years. The program invites parents and community members to read a book to students at various time slots throughout the day. Readers have included elected officials, current and former educators, public safety officials, and librarians.
Kirby also helped shape students understanding through a decade's worth of volunteering at Springfield's Action Centered Tutoring Services. Her numerous travels to Haiti and Guatemala through St. Cecilia's Church and other faith-based organizations like the Christian Foundation for Children, (now Unbound), allowed her to lend her hands in a hospital, nursery, and orphanage.
Through Unbound, she is currently helping a girl from Uganda. However, travel restrictions and concerns for her safety prevent her from visiting Africa and giving back in her way.
Kirby has also spent time in local politics, becoming the first woman to be elected to the Wilbraham School Committee. She recalls going door-to-door campaigning for votes, ultimately defeating Eric Fuller for the seat. She also served on the town's Democratic Town Committee and has been known to rally for causes she believes in, including participating in a peace vigil during the Iraq War. "Having a positive attitude and seeing that it is possible to improve life for many" is a message to take to heart., she said.
She also notes there are people in town, too, who could use a hand. "Enjoy the time you are here. Do what you can to help society," she said.
For her daughter, Maureen Burns, of Hampden, her mother has been an inspiration. "She sees the beauty and good in everything," she said. With the state slowly re-opening and lifting certain restrictions on gatherings, Kirby is hopeful to make it back to the Wilbraham Senior Center, where she can catch up with her friends over bridge, one of her favorite games.