May 13, 1923 – March 25, 2023

We are saddened by our mother’s passing on March 25, 2023 at the age of 99 years at the Kamloops Seniors Village. Born May 13, 1923 in Edmonton Alberta, the first child of Alfred Millward and Helen Millward. Estelle is survived by her three children Christopher Kirby (Libby) of Ottawa Ontario, Jennifer Schweitzer (Jim) of Kamloops BC and Philip Kirby (Susan) of Surrey BC, nine grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

Estelle Joined the Canadian armed forces during World War two serving as a WREN and stationed in Ottawa, while her family hosted a family evacuated from Britain during the hostilities. They remained friends long after the war was over.

On April 6, 1946 at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Kamloops BC she married ex Airman Peter Kirby upon his returned from Europe after the war. A devoted Christian she maintained a connection with St Paul’s Anglican and was still with the alter guild fifty years later. Her children also sang in the church choir though I am sure the priest Dean Jolly was relieved when Phil and Cousin Russell’s voices finally changed. She was also a member and past president for the Royal Inland Hospital “Afternoon Auxiliary”

Peter Kirby brought the Volkswagen auto line to the people of Kamloops in 1955. With his partner Frank Torrigiani and many members of the two families they ran Sky chief Service till Peters’ retirement in the late seventies.

Estelle was a firm believer that Kamloops was an outdoor paradise. An avid skier, Estelle and Peter were early enthusiast as Todd Mountain established its place in Canada’s skiing industry. Lazy summers were spent at the family cabin on Shuswap Lake.

Estelle and Peter loved to travel the world before slowing down in retirement spending many happy winters golfing and exploring the southwest deserts of New Mexico and Arizona.

Peter passed away in 2010 but Estelle carried on in her new role as matriarch of the family. Volunteering for the Alter Guild, Elections Canada, travelling, golfing, welcoming the newborn, mourning the passing of friends and family, and all the while keeping a loving eye on the wellbeing of those around her. She would not sit still. Her quiet force of nature.

The Family would like to thank the Birch Grove second Floor staff of Kamloops Seniors Village for their special care and attention of Estelle while in their care and especially for her last few months.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 13, 2023 @ 11am at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 360 Nicola St, Kamloops BC.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation in Estelle’s memory.

Condolences can be sent to the family at Schoening Funeral Service.

• Date : 2023-03-25
• Location : Kamloops