Adeline Kirley
June 25, 1926 - October 22, 2015
Obituary
MADISON-Adeline Estelle Kirley died on Thursday, October 22, 2015, in Madison, Wisconsin, at the age of 89.
Addie was born on June 25, 1926, in Cascade, Iowa, to Herman and Alice Morrison. She was one of twelve children and, proudly, 100% Irish. She attended high school at St. Clara's Academy in Sinsinawa , Wisconsin, and was a five-foot-nothing power forward on the basketball team. After graduating at 16, she moved to Madison and earned an associate degree at Edgewood College, where she was Homecoming Queen, before attending UW Madison.
Addie spent her entire career at the state capitol, working for the Legislative Council, the Joint Finance Committee, the Education Committee, and for several senators and representatives.
Addie married Ed Kirley in 1950 at St. Raphael's Cathedral. They had four children, Bob, Debbie, Steve, and Ken. She was a wonderful mother who loved raising her family first and foremost. She enjoyed cooking, knitting, gardening, and keeping up with the news. She avidly followed her children's activities, such as piano recitals, school plays, and hockey and baseball games.
She and the family embarked on adventurous summer camping excursions to landmarks in Wisconsin, Colorado, California, and Canada. Addie and Ed also took memorable trips to Ireland, England, and France.
Anyone who knew Addie will never forget her beautiful smile, kind demeanor, and lilting brogue. She was outgoing, lively and quick-witted, forever "getting my laugh!" The family dogs - Skipper, Mickey, and Kayak - always liked her best.
She was a devoted parishioner at Our Lady Queen of Peace for over five decades, where she was an active member of the Catholic Women's Club and the Queen's Guild.
Addie was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and nine siblings. She is survived by her children and by her grandchildren, Casey, Nolan, Rebecca, and Robbie. She also leaves behind two sisters, Eleanor Kuhn and Maureen Pape, as well as many nieces and nephews.
For the past several years, Addie was a resident at St. Mary's Care Center. The family sincerely appreciates the outstanding and conscientious care she received there.
A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Addie's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2015, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church on Wednesday. A luncheon at the church will follow.
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com
Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home
& Cremation Services
5701 Odana Road
608-274-1000