Jean Kirkbride

Jean M. Kirkbride (nee Carfagno) age 67 years passed into the loving care of her Heavenly Father on Tuesday April 5, 2011. Although Jean was born in Swedesboro on May 2, 1943, she lived her entire life in Gibbstown. Jean is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Robert “Bob” Kirkbride and her brother, Frank V. and Kathleen Carfagno of Mickleton. Jean graduated from Paulsboro High School in 1961. She attended Glassboro State (now Rowan University) and obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in General Elementary Education in 1965. After graduation, Jean taught early elementary grades in Greenwich Township and Mantua Township School Districts for 12 years. After leaving her teaching career, Jean taught piano lessons in her home for 28 years. Jean was a member of Clonmell United Methodist Church for over 50 years. When she was in 8th grade she became the organist at Clonmell and continued as organist for many years. In more recent years, she filled in as organist on an as needed basis. Jean was a happy person and she loved her life. She enjoyed her home, playing the piano, singing, being with family and friends, going to breakfast, attending plays, and taking trips to historical places of interest. Jean was an avid reader and loved to look up the meaning of words that were new to her. She especially liked to read and study her Bible daily. Jean also had an appreciation of the beauty around her. She loved to see the beautiful colors in the sky at sunrise and sunset, the colors in a rainbow, and the colors of the leaves in the fall. Known as Jeanie to most people, she will always be remembered for her big beautiful smile, her laughter, and her kind and gentle ways. Jean had a positive attitude towards life and she saw the good in each person that she met. Jean was a special kind of person who was very considerate of other people. Jean touched the lives of many people just by the way that she lived. The Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM Monday April 11, 2011 in Clonmell U.M. Church, 516 W. Broad St., Gibbstown. Friends may call Sunday evening from 7 to 9 PM in the McBride - Foley Funeral Home, 228 W. Broad St., Paulsboro and Monday morning after 9:30 AM in the Church. Interment Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro. Contributions can be made in Jean’s memory to the Memorial Fund of Clonmell U.M. Church, 516 W. Broad St., Gibbstown, NJ 08027. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.

Jean Kirkbride

May 2, 1943 - April 5, 2011