Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133
135B Orr Street, Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
Sally, a world traveller, has gone on her final journey to be with her soulmate and loving husband, Thomas Edward Kirkwood (predeceased December 22, 2005). After a brief stay at Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg, Sally passed peacefully.
She cherished her role as a mother of Diane Kirkwood (David), Karen Linton (Eugene), Karilyn Amirkhani (Kurosh), and Colleen Kirkwood (Peter) supporting, guiding and loving each one of us.
Sally loved being Granny to her 6 grandchildren Kelly (Shane), Kristy, Tommy, Justin (Jane), Grant (Holly) and Emily. She loved having the grandkids join them at the trailer, as well as taking each one on a trip. Her love and joy continued as great grandchildren arrived, Chris, Kenna and Lilith.
She was a loving sister to Jack Whann (Marina), and Lillian Thompson both of Northern Ireland.
Tom and Sally left Belfast and travelled to Canada in 1957, landing in Toronto and buying a house in the neighbourhood known as the Beaches. Tom became a policeman and Sally took care of everything else efficiently.
They purchased land in 1964 on Kawagama Lake and built a cottage; where fun summers were spent for 18 years. Around 1978 they purchased a home in Florida and once retired became snowbirds, enjoying warmer weather than what Canada had to offer in the winter. Social events were abound, and they thoroughly enjoyed gathering with the many long time friends in that sunny state.
Sally’s dream when she was young was to have 4 children and travel the world. Two things that usually don’t coincide, but she managed to make it work. Once retired every other year was a big trip. It is easier to name countries that she hasn’t been to then those that she travelled to. At 75 she climbed into a hot air balloon and soared over the Serengeti.
She would often say how lucky she was and that she had a wonderful life.
A celebration of Sally's life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Cobourg on Sunday November 19th, from 1-4pm. If desired, donations in memory of Sally can be made to a charity of your choice.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ovarian Cancer Canada
Diane; We are so very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. You were blessed with an amazing relationship with your mom. Incredible partners in travelling the world, and travel the world you did, plus; enjoyed being snowbirds in Florida. Keep your memories close to your heart, and receive comfort from many photos! Keeping you and your family in our prayers. Love John and Laura ❤️??
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Cancer Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Heart and Stroke Foundation
Our deepest condolences to the girls on the loss of your Mom. Both your Mom and Dad made their presence felt since there arrival in Canada. Party, party and if you have more time have another party. Sally will be missed by her girls and the many friends your parents made in Canada and beyond.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
To the 4 Kirkwood girls, Your mum made me feel so welcome when I came to Canada 42 years ago and they both got me my first job in Canada. What I miss about your mum was the fun Belfast songs she used to sing to me. I’m so glad I got to visit with her last year and she will always be in my heart.
Karen...sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.
Thoughts and prayers are being sent from Northern Ireland to the Kirkwood family as they say goodbye to their mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, auntie, sister, sister- in-law. She was a very special lady in all our lives. May she rest in peace and fly with the angels x
Aunt Sally was larger than life. A matriarch who loved and helped her family. I will miss seeing her at family events singing her favorite Irish tunes. May she be dancing with Uncle Tom once again. All our love to the Kirkwood girls and their families at this sad time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital - Cancer Care Unit
To Diane, Karen, Karilyn and Colleen, we were saddened to read of your dear mother’s passing. Our lives have been intertwined in so many ways over many years. We first grew to know your mom at the time of your father’s death in NHH and subsequently became friends when she worshipped in Calvary Baptist Church. We have both cried and celebrated with you all at memorable family occasions. At this time, may you all know peace and serenity as we remember your mom’s strength and the deep love she had for her girls and for her Lord, in whom she now rests.
Dear Sally may you rest in peace with Tom, the love of your life. A beautiful lady with an infectious laugh. You will be missed.
So sorry to see your Mom gone from our presence. Her and Tom were my best friend many good times together and as she just told me about a month ago that she sure had a great life and a great loving family. I will miss her Irish accent and humor. She is gone but not forgotten. Say hi to Tom for me
Your “mum” and our friend Sally will be remembered fondly. She was a warm loving lady who I hold close to my heart. May she rest in peace in our Loving Lord’s arms. We will miss you Sally but won’t ever forget you! With Love xo
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Mrs. K. was a amazingly strong woman that I greatly admired. She was dearly loved by all that knew her and will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to all of her family for their loss, but they have many wonderful memories of their times together. She gave me great advise from time to time and I will never forget her.
Hello Karilyn and Family, So sorry to hear about your mom's passing. It's always been clear that she meant the world to you and your sisters. I loved reading about her life in the story above. You made her shine for me. Although I never met her, she obviously taught you well how to love and be thankful for the people and world around you. It sounds like that's who she was. My thoughts are with all of you. Emma Point (+John, Wren and Gordon)
My condolences to “Sally’s girls” at this sad time. I know you will all miss your much loved mom. I have many happy memories of happy times with Sally and Tom at the cottage, in Florida and on Bingham. My thoughts and prayers are with you all
I was very sorry to hear of your mother's passing. We were neighbours on Bingham Avenue in Toronto and I have many fond memories of times spent together with Sally and Tom. I will remember her in my prayers. With my sincere condolences, Carmel Jeffery
Dear Karen and Family, We are sorry to hear of your Mom's passing and are thinking of you all through this difficult time.
I’m thinking of Sally with a saddened heart. She loved life and she loved family. I remember her arrival in Canada. She was so thankful for the life she lived.
We are very fortunate to have met your mom she is definitely a world traveler and loved by her family. I know she has comfort as she is the eagle in the sky with her husband.
Sending lots of understanding hugs and love to you and your family Diane ?
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
To Sally’s family, I always loved having conversations with Sally she often would have a good story to tell. I enjoyed sitting next to her whether it was breakfast with the girls,(my Mom’s friends) or a celebration dinner of some sort. She was so pleasant to visit with. I will miss her.
My condolences to the entire family. I met Sally in 2017 when I flew to Florida to help Diane drive a vehicle back to Canada. I loved Sally from the first time I met her. She will be missed dearly. One other time that I remember was the time Diane, Sally myself and my friend to Casino Rama to see Daniel O'Donnell. Sally kept looking over to see that we were having a good time. It was fantastic. The last time I saw Sally was in 2022 at our second Daniel O'Donnell concert. It was a great time. Love you and miss you. Till I see you again.
I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing Diane, you two had a very special relationship and I remember your Mom telling me that you were more like best friends than Mother and Daughter. Please find comfort in the fact that you now have a new Guardian Angel watching over you. (((Hugs)))
So sorry for the loss of your beautiful Mother. Keeping you all in my thoughts ❤️
Sally (and Tom) were two of the most welcoming friends anyone could ask for. We had many years of friendship mostly in Florida. She will be missed by many of us along with her amazing family. Cheers Sally.
So sorry we both enjoyed visiting sally and Tom at the park beautiful people
All the Fleming remember Tommy and Sally visiting our parents home. And getting to know your children. They were good time's. RIP Sally ?
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom passing, Karen. Please accept my sincere condolences. Cherish your wonderful memories.
Sally…sadly we never did get to cruise together, but I bet you’re exploring every corner of heaven. You were an inspiration in showing everyone just how to retire in style. Rest in Peace.