Carmel Lee Kirkwood (née Ellsworth) passed away at her home in Novato on January 21, 2024, at the age of 94. Carmel is lovingly remembered by her children, Doris Widger (Dan), Mary Kirkwood, John Kirkwood, and Susan Kirkbride (Mark), as well as her grandchildren, Nathan Widger, Chris Widger (Mel), Justin Kirkwood (Amy), Lindsey Kirkbride, and Spencer Kirkwood. She also was the proud great grandma of Daphne, Declan, Travis, Jonathan, Naomi and Maeve, who brought great joy to her life.
Carmel was married for 56 years to Jack Kirkwood, who passed away 15 years ago. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Henry Lee Ellsworth, Jr., and Carmel Anna (née O'Donnell) Ellsworth, and her brothers, Frank Sloman, Robert Ellsworth, and Richard Ellsworth.
Carmel attended Horace Mann Junior High and graduated from Mission High School in San Francisco. In addition to raising her four children, she had a busy working career spanning 30 plus years. She worked at an insurance agency in San Francisco, and later at Lynwood Elementary School, Anthony School of Real Estate, and the Marin County Probation Office.
An active volunteer, Mrs. Kirkwood served as a Girl Scout Leader and Camp Director, committing countless hours to the development of young girls. Her camp name was “Twiggy.” Her dedication to service continued through her volunteer work at the Margaret Todd Senior Center in Novato. Carmel was also an accomplished needleworker, kept up a beautiful garden, loved working crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles, walking through Novato, car rides through the hills of Marin and Sonoma, enjoyed playing and watching golf, and was an avid San Francisco Giants fan. She planned great family camping trips and later traveled with Jack in their truck and camping trailer all over the United States. Carmel's love of reading, particularly mysteries, was one of the many facets of her rich and varied life.
Family and friends are welcome to stop by the family home in Novato on Saturday, February 3, between 1 to 4 pm. For further details, please contact Doris Widger at [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Parks Association (www.npca.org) or the American Lung Association (www.lung.org), two charities close to Carmel’s heart.
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