
Esme Helen Kirk

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians chapter 13, verse 13
Obituary
Esme was born in Hove on the 14th of May 1929. Her maternal grandparents were from Luxemberg. They moved to Hove to lead a French church. It was later through the church that Esme’s parents met. They shared their faith and love of the French language with Esme.
Esme was the youngest of three. Her brother Dennis, her elder by 7 years, fought in the Second World War so her teenage years were spent growing close to her sister Beryl, who sadly died of Hodgkin's Disease at the age of 28.
Esme excelled at school becoming head girl and playing numerous sports. She loved keeping fit and enjoyed cycling and tennis into her 70's. Although her early career followed in her mother's footsteps by becoming a teacher, she knew her true passion was nursing, for which she finally trained at the age of 33.
In her late 30's, Esme met and married David, a GP in Birmingham. They felt blessed to have 2 healthy children Maggie and Ray. They had met through the international Initiatives of Change movement. Inspired by IoC their family home had open doors and welcomed in a vast array of people from diverse backgrounds who enjoyed their love and hospitality, often becoming friends for life.
Esme's care extended beyond the family to the community where she set up a playgroup and supported a school on a local estate. Her love of nursing lead her back to volunteering at St. Mary's Hospice for 20 years after Maggie and Ray left home. Family, friends and more recently carers have brought great joy to Esme, none more so than her 6 grandchildren of whom she was so proud.
Despite increasing frailty, her Christian faith sustained her until the age of 95 when she was ready to go home.
Esme will be missed by so many people who have been touched by her loving kindness throughout her life.
Online Service
Esme's Thanksgiving Service will be streamed live and available to watch afterwards. The link is shown at the bottom of the above section as "Virtual Event"
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Memory wall
Esme has been a dear friend to me while she attended Selly Oak Methodist Church, which is where we met about 15 years back. It was when my son was born that we kept in touch more regularly. Esme became an important influence in my motherhood days while i was sleep deprived and struggling with confidence in myself.The kindness, compassion and genuine sincerity to listen provided a safe space for us to be ourselves whether feeling vulnerable or strong. You came to my house, a struggling new mum reading countless story books for my demanding toddler. Our long telephone conversations in which we could give each other tips to improve on our sleepless nights helped journey with solidarity. Sadly I lost touch with her when she left Birmingham, but I am so grateful to have known her and offer my sincere condolences to her family. You have been faith-filled, encouraging, and a good older friend. It was an honour to have a friend where age didnt matter.
Thank you soooo much,
Your younger friend,Arul.
I knew Esme through my aunt Gail Hind and the work of “Initiatives of Change”. What I remember and appreciated most was her kindness, compassion and understanding. Thank you Esme for being a constant force for good and a true friend to so many. It is wonderful to think of you resting deeply on the other side whilst your light shines on in the lives of all those you touched especially your children and grandchildren. Bless you all…
Esme was such a lovely lady. Always a sparkle in her eye always so interested in others asking insightful questions.
She was also very generous. When I went off to Uni, she kindly offered to drive me there as my parents didn’t drive or have a car, even if we didn’t go any motorways as they were ‘just too busy’.
She will be greatly missed.
We now live a few door up from their home in Meadow Hill and many neighbours here remember her fondly too. My mum Faride lives with us with dementia but she if she could would send her love to you all too.
We are looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow.
Will Drever
Esme was truly a unique kind of person. I will always remember the twinkle in her eyes and her cheerful smile. How she made everyone around her feel so important and welcome. She always wanted to know your news and listened very intently to your answer. It was clear that ‘people’ were of utmost importance to her and that she had a heart for those God had placed around her.
I know my parents, would have wanted to pay a warm tribute to Esme if they were still able. My father passed away just over a year ago and my mother has advanced dementia, but on their behalf I’d like to thank Esme, and David, for being such wonderful and kind friends for all those years.
With much love and condolences to Maggie and Ray and your families xxx

In a very unique way Esme shared—her wisdom and her encouragement . My family and I will forever cherish the memory of her warm welcome and her unforgettable smile that lit up every room she entered.
Esme, you’ve left a legacy of love, strength, and kindness.
your spirit will always remain in our hearts. Rest in peace.

I moved to a flat in Chantry Rd, Moseley which just happened to be the same house she lived in when first in Birmingham.
It was later though, after I married and my two beautiful boys were born that we kept in touch more regularly. In fact I really don't know what I would have done without her back then. My boys, now adults, remember many happy times at her home in Kings Norton playing table tennis, French cricket and having lunch together. Esme would call often with a warm and irresistible invitation,which was especially welcome during long school holidays. I am and always will be forever grateful - you enriched our family life and we all remember you with great affection. Dear Esme, in loving memory, Kate, Mike, Dominic and Benjamin.




She opened her home for a coffee morning to raise money for a charity close to her heart St Mary's Hospice.
She was a real friend to me and my family ,nothing was ever to much for her. She is sadly missed by our family. RIP our friend.
So 35 years later I met Dr Kirks wife who became a wonderful friend and volunteer at Bournville Gardens Village. Esme Kirk
took an active part in village life and had many friends I have so many fond memories of our chats..Rest in Peace Esme 💚

Family tree

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Henriette
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Service
~ 1:30pm on Monday 6th January 2025
~ Poulner Baptist Chapel, Linford Road, Ringwood, BH24 3HZ
~ Please use the usual Linford Road approach to Poulner Baptist Chapel, as Cowpitts Lane is closed.
We are coordinating lift shares.
Please contact Ray by the end of December on mobile 07759744736 if you need transport.
The service will also be available on line. The link is shown at the bottom of this section as "Virtual Event".
There will be buffet lunch served from 12 - 1:15pm before the service and drinks and cake afterwards until 4pm, both at Poulner Baptist Chapel. You are very welcome to join us for any or all of this.
Esme has asked us all to dress in cheerful colours.
The Crematorium Service will take place at the Bournemouth Crematorium at 10.30am on he same day for close family and friends. Please contact us if you would like to attend.
Please see below for the Memory Wall where you may share tributes and photos. of Esme.
Esme requested family flowers only and asked that any donations would go to support the work of St Mary's Hospice, now known as the Birmingham Hospice. Please see below for details.
Donations
Together, let us continue the legacy of compassion and kindness that Esme embodied throughout her life.
Donations may be gift aided and given via
1) the hospice website https://www.birminghamhospice.org.uk/
or
2) bank transfer to the Hospice Charity Partnership account number 01882058, sort code 40-43-28
For both please quote reference DN102138
With grateful thanks on behalf of Esme.