A Funeral Service for Ms Esther Naomi KIRBY OAM will be held at Adams Funeral Chapel on MONDAY (14th November, 2022) commencing at 10.30am.
Location of the Service can be found here
Followed by Burial at the Kerang Lawn Cemetery.
Location of the Cemetery can be found here
We wish to encourage you to express your sympathies and condolences to the family via a post on this announcement which the family are able to access and read.
(All messages are pending the approval of staff to avoid inappropriate content)
Esther’s Funeral Chapel Service will be live streamed on Monday (14th November 2022) commencing at 10.30am.
Please click on the Live Stream Tab on our main page where the chapel service will be streamed live on Monday.
My heart is heavy upon hearing our Aunty Esther Kirby has passed. I will deeply miss her and will treasure fond memories of our times together. A wonderful leader of her people, respected elder, community member, talented artist and my friend. Forever in my heart and now flying high ❤️
Such a beautiful service celebrating the life and work of Aunty Esther Kirby OAM, It was a privilege to be able to join in online. Our deepest thanks to her family for sharing it with so many people,, far and wide.. Janet McGaw & Al Vance
Sending deepest condolences, love and prayers to Aunty Esther’s family on her passing. I will hold dearly the time spent, knowledge gained and faith shared with Aunty over the many years I have been blessed to have known her.
I will miss you Aunty x
Psalm 23
Dear Aunty Esther, i hope you sleep peacefully now, you have done your job with us, educating, inspiring, challenging and loving. Thank you. My thoughts and prayers with you and your family and friends.
Unable to attend your send-off Auntie Esther so please accept my heartfelt wishes of strength and sadness at your passing to your family and loved ones. You made the world such a better place with your life, may your acts ripple on through future generations.
Dearest family of Aunty Esther,
I’m so sorry not to be with you today. I had hoped to get there but with all the flooding thought better if it. Much love and blessings to you all. I will forever cherish my time all those years ago on The Bridge. She was such an incredible woman. I am so deeply grateful for her beautiful song she taught me and Lisa which Would have been very fitting today: “ She had visions and dreams and knows what it means lord to try, she stood her ground and never backed down, lord she tried, lord she tried, lord give her wings let her fly let her fly, lord give her peace, give her rest, lord let her fly , let her fly” ( I wish I could remember all the words) I’ll be tuning in and am there with you in tears and joy. Much love Rachael Maza
I was so lucky to have known Aunty Esther – she had the best sense of humour, was always on for a good laugh and was such a loving person. I will always remember her with a smile. Sending all my love to her family in this hard time, she was an incredible woman and matriarch xx
Much love and condolences to Esther Kirby’s family at the loss of a special woman and Elder. She was a blessing to me and many in our community. I will miss her greatly.
Rest In Peace Esther.
Dear Aunty Esther thanks for your friend ship and knowledge you shared with me. A beautiful lady. I will always remember you calling me the under cover sister Xx my heart goes out to your family 💜
Always the Educator. In Art and Expression and personal conduct. Aunty demonstrated her Cultural experience to everyone. Mostly alone and unafraid she stood up for her Clan and provided leadership to the next Generation. A real Role Model. RIP Aunty
Much love to the family.
Thank you Aunt for all you have contributed. I still have your carved egg from “The Bridge” project
Heartfelt condolences are extended to Robert, Laura, Pearl,Katie and Isabelle.
My memories of Esther as we grew up together I will treasure for ever.
With love
Bronwyn and Gordon.
Robbie, Laura, Pearl, Katie, Isabell & extended family. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage and lots of love at time of sorrow. Esther I was so privileged to have you as a mentor and friend. I will miss our spontaneous catch up and “What ya being up to sister girl” . you taught me culture, country, kindness, patients and respect. You told me a few weeks ago “I’m not done yet , I have more to give”. You will never be done Esther your sprit will fly above us all guiding the way. xoxox
To Esther’s family our heart felt prayers. Truely a beautiful faithful lady who has weaved so many treasured memories into mine and my children’s lives!! I will miss singing God of the mountain, your adventure’s, your stories, your wisdom and your hey girly💕. The lives you have touched , grown and changed will be before you now in the presence of your Lord.. sorry I can not be there tomorrow in person
Sending our sincere Condolences and respects to Laura,Robbie,Pearl,Katie & Isabell and the rest of the family. A time of sorrow but such beautiful woman & life to celebrate, how proud we all are to of known Aunty Esther. May aunt rest peacefully , with All our love from The Lake Cargelligo, Wagga Wagga Kirby family Xoxoxo
My deepest Respects, Sympathy & condolences to Pearl & Family. Aunty was a force of nature – such a beautiful, wise & sharp witted presence. I had the joy to collaborate with her last year & it was such an enriching experience. She was so generous with her knowledge & we had many a good natter as we made art together. Although only a short acquaintance I loved her to bits. I know that her family & friends will feel be devastated with her loss. She will shine as a bright guiding star – joining her ancestors now. Thank you dear Aunt for all the love you shared. Big big love to all who mourn her.
Condolences to Pearl and family for the loss of such a wonderful person who done so much for her community. Rest In Peace Esther xx
Aunty Esther was greatly loved and respected by our family. We all have many stories from times at possum skin camps, language camps, yulendj Emu egg carving passed from our family and ours. She was special, cultured, kind, driven. All our Love and deepest respect from Dhaung Wirrung Country. Lige wont be the same without Aunt. LOVE FROM THE Morphy-Walsh mob. Larry Walsh, Vic Morphy, Hannah Morphy-Walsh and Isobel Morphy-Walsh
A beautiful sendoff for a beautiful lady, loved the time in your presence, always upbeat & fun, lots of attitude, love & laughter. My love to her family, friends & all who knew her 💕
We are so sorry to hear of the death of Esther. We send our condolences to the Kirby family. Our lives were made richer with the knowledge that she passed on to us. We mourn for the fact that this period has now ended.
Bronwyn & Geoff Hunt
My sincere condolences to Robbie, Laura, Pearl, Katie, Isabelle and extended family. Aunty Esther was truly an inspirational strong woman. She has left so many beautiful stories and memories to my family and myself that we will always share and cherish. You taught us Respect, Culture and to be Proud of who we are.
We will all miss you Aunty Esther.
RIP and fly high in the dreamtime 🪃👣🦅🌟
Aunty Esther Kirby is a giant for us at Uni Melb and the Royal Children’s Hospital. For many years she helped us guided us and nurtured us as we developed an Elder led Indigenous Cultural Practices project. Prof Sandra Eades then aided us gaining funding to proceed with the project always checking in with Aunty Esther!
May Aunty rest easy with her Ancestors in her Country! God bless Aunty Esther!
Honoured to have met you. Sorry I did not fulfil my end of that meeting and find the chance to re meet up with you. Deeply saddened to hear of your passing. Your number will always remain in my phone. I will never forget you and our yarn. Deepest condolences and love to all your extended families and friends. Rest well dear one.
Deepest sympathy to Esther’s extended family.
Fond memories of an inspirational lady, who was always willing to share her artistic talents.
Memories of making the KDH possum skin cloak during lunchtimes & sharing your knowledge with the Glenarm residents’.
Rest in Peace, Esther.💕
My heart is heavy to hear of your passing. I will cherish the knowledge, wisdom and laughter you shared so generously with so many. My deepest sympathy to the Kirby family.
Some things in life are bittersweet and your passing Esther was the bitter, the sweet came in knowing your hope was in the Lord — thoughts and prayers to your loved ones
Deepest sympathy and condolences to Esther’s family.
She was a wonderful woman, dear friend and brilliant artist.
True to her culture and faith.
Rest in peace dear Esther.
My Mentor and Friend. Very deserving of her OAM. Always caring for Country – now the Country can care for her. Now at last at peace with her Ancestors and Elders. Ready to watch over her descendants and see they keep Traditions. RIP Aunty. Thank you.
Rest in peace Esther Kirby. You have done your work on this earth, time to rest now. Thoughts are with your family at this sad time. Xx
My Deepest Sympathy to Aunty Esther’s family.
It was a privellage to know you Aunty Esther.
Thankyou for sharing your story.
We are all blessed that walked with you.
Angela Roney
Condolences to Esther’s family and those who loved her
Deepest sympathy to the Kirby family. Esther, abeautiful person who I shared many talks and laughs. A living Treasure. I always admired her knowledge and sharing time on committees with her over the years. Great memories will always be with the community when we think of the beautiful possum cloak Esther organised with staff and community to produce for KDH. May you soar with the eagles on your way to rest with your beloved Lord. I will miss “Hey! Girlfriend, what you been up too”. Goodbye my friend. I will miss you greatly. Lorraine💝
How sad the passing of Esther who was part of our Mungo and many other bush adventures. The way she could open your eyes to the bush ,to see things and tell stories that filled us with wonder . Many memories of fun and laughter around a campfire, or sitting on a riverbank. Thank you Esther.
Thinking of all your family at this very sad time. Gwenda
Fond memories of esther who I first met in year 7 at swan hill high school in the 60’s condolences to her family 👪 a strong woman x
Sincere sympathy to Esther’s family on the loss of such a wonderful ,inclusive lady. Her life time achievements, her love of family and friends and her strong faith made her such a special strong leader. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Deepest sympathy to Pearl and family and Esther’s family. Thoughts are with you.
A mighty woman I was blessed and honoured to have a chance to know in the community. Fly high and free great lady! Love to all your family and community.
To the Kirby clan, deepest sympathy on your loss. Esther was a beautiful lady, love Rick Bennett
It was such an honour and so much fun having worked with and known this amazing inspiration lady. You will be in our hearts forever, now surrounded by love with your God.
Thank you Aunty Esther for the times we spent with you at Cohuna Baptist. You will be missed greatly by the community and your mob for your tireless work and support. A true woman of God well done good and faithful servant and enjoy your heavenly reward. Condolences to your family.
Goodbye Esther. Condolences to all Esther’s family and your mob. Will miss your wisdom and talents. There was nothing you could not do! Great lady!
Sincere sympathy to Esther’s family. Her love of our environment and knowledge of the contributions made to our country over thousands of years was a wonderful gift to us all. Her artistry, kindness, education and culture will be forever with us. Fly high
Elaine Jones
Deepest sympathy to Esther’s family and community. Although our personal contacts with her were brief they were a privilege and left an indelible memory of her genuine warmth of nature.
Sincere sympathy to the entire Kirby family and to Aunty Esther’s clan on the loss of an amazing caring person, a wonderful artist, educator, mentor, health advocate and leader in our community. Fly high and free for eternity in God’s kingdom.
Aunty Esther’s stories, warmth, kindness, humor and strength will live on through the lives of everyone fortunate enough to spend time with her. Country is forever changed for the better because of Aunty Esther. Our thoughts, love and condolences are with the Kirby family x
Rest In Peace my friend 💕condolences to all . Ash Williams
Condolences to Pearl and all of Esthers family, such a strong lady right to the very end. Fly high and free❤️❤️❤️❤️
Sorry to hear of the passing of our national treasure a multi talented truly inspirational leader in our community who will be sadly missed love from Brett and Jodi Condely
Condolences to the entire Kirby family 💐. Aunty Esther was a phenomenal person and leaves an incredible legacy. I will keep the memories of great times shared with fondness in my heart. Rest in peace my friend, the time has come to soar in divinity. Dr Harry Van Rensburg, Noosa Heads, QLD.
Our love , prayers and deepest sympathy go out to Esther’s family at this sad time of your loss. Esther was a treasured friend of ours, and she will be sadly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Now in the Glorious presence of her Jesus.
Judy & Ken Trewin
Good bye Esther we will miss you you had the best sense of humour and always shared a joke and had a good laugh with us rest in peace beautiful lady we will miss you now at peace Allan and sue
It was my privilege and pleasure to have known Esther as a mentor, fellow worker, artist and friend. The world truly is a better place for having had Esther in it. She was bold, humble, passionate, funny and inclusive. Thank you for everything Esther. Your painting of the Murray with the Wedgie feather takes pride of place in my home
Whenever I come across some Bush Tucker, or walk under a River Gum or see a soaring Eagle I will sense your spirit is around me. Bless you and commiserations to all of your many family members, as far and wide as they are.
It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Aunty Esther. We were so privileged to spend time with her in Balranald and Kerang where she so generously shared her art, Culture & Country. So many of our students have gained so much from her. Our love & thoughts are with her family at this sad time. Lisa Hall, Castlemaine Steiner School
Deepest Sympathy to Esther’s family .Esther was such a strong influence on our communities and country .
“Fly high and free with the Eagles ”
Lorraine Learmonth
Thinking of you all at this time she will be greatly missed