Esme Helen Kirk

May  14th, 1929 November  27th, 2024
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"

Gallery


Memory wall

We would love you to share your memories, stories. and photos of Esme here. Thank you.


January 13, 2025

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.
Arul Israel
January 6, 2025
Sorry not to have been at the service today due to the weather (!) but what a treat to watch the livestream instead. It was a magnificent service for a wonderful lady. Everyone played their part so well; and it was an inspired move to invite contributions from the congregation. The more people shared the more Esme’s wonderful qualities shone through. And I so agree with the Minister in concluding that the world badly needs more people who can “encourage” and “listen” the way Esme did.

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…
Laura Boobbyer
January 5, 2025
We have been friends of the Esme and the family for 40 years or so. We met through common missionary friends. Fond memories of visiting them Meadow Hill Road at Christmas time, walks in the Lickey Hills together, and a joint family holiday to Cornwall together when Maggie and I , and Ray and my sister all received A level and O level results via a small red telephone box.
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
Will Drever
January 5, 2025
My name is Madhu Rathi. Esme and David Kirk were truly wonderful friends to our whole family over many decades. We spent many happy times with them in Birmingham and the Lake District, where we lived. Esme was always so thoughtful when she hosted us, making us feel welcome, sharing so much of her life experience. We enjoyed cooking together and she always enjoyed trying new things. I admired her boundless energy and how she always remained so active in everything she did. We will all miss her.
Madhu Rathi
January 4, 2025
Esme - a fine and beautiful lady who joined our family when Tim, our son, married Maggie. We are privileged. She is now at peace. Marilyn & Barrie.
Marilyn & Barrie
January 4, 2025
Esme and David were introduced to my parents through a mutual contact in the 1980s. From the first time we visited their home, we received a wonderfully warm welcome and very quickly our families became good friends. My parents, Bryan and Faride Drever, had been medical missionaries in Yemen and Pakistan for many years and found they had much in common with both Esme and David - who clearly lived their lives in faithful service to others.

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
Mary Holley Drever
January 3, 2025
I knew Esme through Selly Oak Methodist Church in Birmingham. Then, I lived with Esme as a loger for 5 years . she became a big part of my life. Esme was a woman of immense faith and generosity, inspiring me daily with her love for life, her family, friends, community, and her tireless charity work. Her dedication was a reminder of what it means to live with purpose and compassion.

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.
Rania Isoo
December 22, 2024
I stayed with Esme, David, Maggie and Ray in their home in Kings Noton for several months in the early 1970s. They were an amazingly generous family with their friendship and support and although we didn't meet in person very often after I left to work in London, Esme and I kept up our friendship with long newsy Christmas cards - always with the latest news about her family of whom she was immensely proud. Sadly I lost touch with her when she left King's Norton, but I am so grateful to have known her and offer my sincere condolences to Maggie, Ray and her six grandchildren.
Jill Hazell
December 19, 2024
I was introduced to Esme by a friend of my mothers, Barbara Guilbride, in 1990 during my mothers brief but terminal illness.
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.
Kate Lennon
December 19, 2024
Esme at Bournville Gardens Retirement Village
Susie
December 13, 2024
Esme has been a dear friend to our family for many, many years. Following only a few chance encounters, Esme became a part of our lives and our lives were enriched because of her. The kindness, compassion and genuine sincerity that she had for everyone is a quality that only exists in very few people. Thanks to Esme, we now have tangible aspirations to be better people in all aspects of our lives. Overtime, Esme became much more than simply just a friend. She provided life lessons to us all, regardless of age. She also willingly gave us the benefit of her experiences when we were struggling within our own lives. As such, with a just a few words and unlimited support, it would be fair to say that Esme's life goes on within the many people she has provided assistance to. In some cases, we are sure that just Esme's capacity to listen was enough to help us through challenging times. Over the several years that Esme lived close by to us in Kings Norton, we had the pleasure of meeting those people who were important to her. I remember well that Esme's daughter and Grand-daughter visited our home to have Henna Art designs applied. Esme was without question considered a very important part of our lives and I believe that she knew the same. Of the many people who are part of my own life, Esme knew she could tell me what to do or where I may have gone wrong. Not many people have enough of my love or respect to be in that position. Esme's joy and love for life was always infectious, as such it is no surprise that the comments left here reflect a life truly well lived. May God grant Esme the peace as well as serenity that she deserves and give strength to all of her loved ones to carry on her wonderful legacy. Nitin (On behalf of the Bhatt family, Wychall Lane).
Mr Nitin Bhatt
December 10, 2024
I have known Esme all of my life, she met my mum Betty Gray when they were both in the girl guides in Brighton and later Esme was one of my Mum's bridesmaids. I in turn was one of Esme's bridesmaids. Esme was my godmother and I have such a warm feeling when I think of her and the happy visits to our home through my childhood. She greatly influenced my decision to train to be a nurse. When I went for an interview at St George's and they asked a bit about me, I mentioned Esme's name and the interview panel's faces all lit up with happy memories of Esme. My husband and I have kept in touch with Esme over the years, last visiting her this summer in Ringwood. Our condolences to Maggie and Ray and all of the family, she will be greatly missed.
Barbara Down
December 9, 2024
Esme, you have been a dear friend to three generations of our family. First you supported me to care for my Mum with Alzheimer’s. You and David even came to stay overnight once a week so we could get an unbroken night. Our young sons adopted you as extra grandparents because you were such fun 🤩 and became very fond of you. You introduced us to Carol and her lovely holiday flat in the Lake District, a place of many happy family memories thanks to you. You have been a cheerful, faith-filled, encouraging, wise and loyal older friend - every home should have such a precious gift! Thank you xxx
Margaret O'Kane
December 8, 2024
My name is Joyce Clarke (nee Stubbs). I am Esme & David's niece, now living in Australia. To the best of my knowledge I only met Esme & David once, when they visited my family in New Zealand in 1972 when I was 8 years old. They gave me a book that I cherished then and still cherish today. "The Snow Goose, a story of Dunkirk" by Paul Gallico - such a beautiful & deeply moving story that I read over and over again as a child and always thought of them as I did so. My mother spoke of her brother David & sister-in-law Esme with much love always, so that I feel as if they, and my cousins Maggie & Ray have been very much in my heart always. I am so very sorry to learn of my Aunty Esme's passing. My very much love at this time of sadness, but also of joy for Esme's wonderful life. Again, much love to all, most especially Maggie & Ray and your families. Joyce
Joyce Clarke
December 8, 2024
Esme was a lovely lady. I first met her back in 1990 and she was the chair of Home Start,she interviewed me for a volunteer to visit families who needed a bit of help. She was very passionate about the organisation.
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.
Maureen
December 6, 2024
I first met Esme when I worked as an Events Organiser in 2015.She arrived at the village and told me her name was Esme Kirk.I said what a wonderful name my grandparents GP was called Dr Kirk he used to visit them at all hours in King's Norton and come on his bike.He was a very respected GP in the area.She listened quietly and said ah well that will be my husband!
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 💚
Susie

Family tree

Eric
Alvan
Dudeney
Marie
Henriette
Dudeney
David Lewis Kirk
Beryl
Dudeney
Dennis
Dudeney
Ray Kirk
Cameron
Oliver
Ben
Maggie Knight
Jacob
Anna
Barnaby
Beryl
Dudeney
Dennis
Dudeney
David Lewis Kirk
Ray Kirk
Cameron
Oliver
Ben
Maggie Knight
Jacob
Anna
Barnaby
Esme Kirk

Service


Please join us in person for a Thanksgiving Service for Esme 
~ 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.
Location
Poulner Baptist Chapel
Virtual event

Donations

If you would like to make a donation in honour of Esme, you may contribute to the Birmingham Hospice (formerly St Mary's Hospice) which she supported in many different ways throughout her life - fundraising, volunteering as a carer and visiting her beloved husband David there before he died.

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.

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