Sister Timothy Kirby, +R.I.P.
- Sister Timothy Kirby stands near the entrance of the Federal Prison Camp on Stebner Road in Hermantown. Kirby volunteered at the prison for more than 20 years, leading a Bible study and a worship service every week. Kirby died Wednesday at age 92. (2006 file / News Tribune)
Many oblates knew Sister Timothy Kirby; some had taken part in a variety of programs of which she was a part. They will be among the many people who mourn her passage to eternal life, at the age of 92, shortly before Christmas.
The Duluth News Tribune featured her in a front page story on December 24. Sister Timothy probably chuckled at the paper’s reversal in saying she lived “at the college’s monastery.” It was yet-another time when the public saw her incredible energy, generosity, and concern for the poor and especially for prisoners – and didn’t fully grasp that it was founded in her firm and sure commitment to Christ who she – like Benedictines everywhere – saw in each of the people she served.
In addition to the Duluth News Tribune story, Minnesota Public Radio had a short feature about Sister Timothy on Christmas day.
Oblates are invited to attend the Wake and Funeral in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel at the Monastery:
- Wake – Tuesday January 11 at 7 pm
- Funeral – Wednesday January 12 at 11 am
Dear Sister Timothy was my teacher, mentor, friend and role model. Her passion for justice and equality as well as her dream for peace touched my heart in these later years. We marched today down Superior Street before the start of the Iraq war. I was moved to think that this small, elderly nun will brave the elements and stand up on the steps of the Duluth Courthouse and let her voice be heard.
Sister Tim was my college advisor druing my four years at St. Scholastica. I bet I visited her five different times to change my major, and she always maintained a calm, patient voice of reason even when she probably wanted to scream at me. WE even shared a road trip to a theatrical conference in Sioux Falls, S.D. She was all about opening the world to her students and giving them every advantage and opportunity possible.
Sister Tim also directed plays of which I always had some kind of a part. In the PRINCESS and the PEA, I was the princess. During a sleep walking scene where I actually had my eyes closed, I accidentally walked off the stage at Rockhurst and fell on my head. Sister Tim drove me to St. Mary’s where I spent the night as they checked for a brain concussions. Sister Tim was at my side.
Sister Tim never forgot her students, her friends, her community and those special people at the prison. She will live forever in my heart for she has truly given me some of the greatest gifts of life.
Thank you for sharing these memories of Sister Timothy – I will be sure that the Sisters also see them.