Kirby, Piera

            It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Piera Kirby on Monday, December 7, as a result of a stroke. She was born on July 26, 1923 in Comenduno d’Albino, Italy. Her passion has always been for the care and needs of other people. This began when the young teen and eldest child of her widowed mother became the bread winner for the entire family. Following the death of her beloved father, she emigrated first to Switzerland and then to France before arriving in England where she would meet her future husband, Antony. Her sense of adventure took her to Canada and she was soon followed by Antony. Their love was immediate and following their subsequent marriage in 1954, their daughter Linda was born a year later and son Glenn, three years following. Piera began her career of service to others in Canada with the Ottawa Childrens’ Aid Society. Later, she would assist the Freelton Baptist Church and then extended her helping hands to bedridden neighbours. A subsequent move to Bolton in 1984 resulted in a new career as a volunteer at the Vera Davis Centre. It would be the beginning of a long and cherished relationship with the staff and its residents. Among the highlights were bus trips from the Davis Centre, bringing residents to her country home for afternoons of music, laughter, food and companionship. In 2007, she was presented the Distinguished Citizen Award by Caledon Mayor Marolyn Morrison to recognize her outstanding dedication to the community. Piera should be remembered as an incredible human being with a heart of gold. She will be dearly missed by her beloved husband Antony, loving daughter Linda (Carey), adored granddaughters Kelly and Hannah; beloved son Glenn (Sonya). In addition to her immediate family network there are many relatives scattered around the world, notably her Italian roots. She is survived by sister-in-law Teresina Signori; nephew Marco Signori (Patricia); nieces Palmina (Enzo) Brignoli, Christina (Paolo) Nodari; Rosangela (Robi) Signori. Also cousins Elia Martinelli (Teresina); Rita Signori and Giuseppina Signori, also Giuseppe Martinelli (Sarah) in Argentina. As well, her circle of friends included those special people in the Racine, Wisconsin area she visited when staying with her daughter’s family. The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S., Bolton, Thursday afternoon 2 – 4 and evening 7-9 o’clock. A funeral service and celebration of her life will be held in the chapel on Friday morning, December 11 at 11 o’clock. Followed by cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Davis Centre, 80 Allan Drive, Bolton L7E 1P7 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. Condolences for the family may be offered at www.eganfuneralhome.com