Doreen Kirby

Doreen Ruth Kirby of Elkridge, Maryland peacefully passed away on March 11, 2025 at 78 years old.

Doreen, a resident of Mattituck for over 50 years, was born in Brooklyn, New York on October 27, 1946, to Ruth Priscilla Celia and Pasquale Fraracci.

Growing up in Selden, Doreen met her husband Donald in 1964. Both working for Hills Supermarket they married in 1968. Moving to Mattituck, they raised two children, Dawnmarie and Donald John Jr.

Doreen is survived by her husband, Donald, daughter Dawnmarie Moffitt, son Donald John Jr, four grandchildren Paige Kirby, Aidan Patrick, Riley Kate and Avery Clare, sister Debra Haussel and brother Patrick Fraracci.

Doreen’s early working career exposed her to the plight of the local migrant community on the East End, and as such, performed tutoring for migrants through a BOCES program. Continuing in education, she worked for the Westhampton Beach Schools in a number of positions, eventually retiring as secretary to the Director of Athletics.

Her free time was consumed by her grandchildren and love of live theatre. Attending over 50 Broadway performances, Doreen’s love of participating in local theatre evolved into her work with The Riverhead Faculty and Community Theatre in the 80’s. Most recently, before moving to Maryland, Doreen was an active member and supporter of The North Fork Community Theatre. Her responsibilities became, but were not limited to, sewing costumes and documenting the extensive assortment of props and becoming the theatre’s assigned historian. Doreen’s extensive research into the theatre’s history and origin gave new insight in its place on the East End.  Doreen’s busy retirement also included wintering in Florida spending time with family, Palm Isles friends and creating many craft projects of scrapbooking, knitting and 3D art. 

A time for gathering and remembrance will be held at Harry H Witzke's Family Funeral Home, 4112 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, MD 2104 on Sunday, March 16, 2025, from 1:00-4:00pm and funeral services on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 1pm. Interment to follow Friday’s service at Mountain View Cemetery, Mount View Road, Marriottsville, MD 21104.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).