Obituary of Mary Kirkpatrick

Location of church has changed to St. Marys Church 231 Church St, Poughkeepsie NY, 12601

Mary Catherine Kirkpatrick, 90, passed on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 surrounded by family in Poughkeepsie, NY.

Known fondly to all as “M.C.”, she was born to Louis and Martha (Schiltz) Bellinghausen on January 11, 1933 in Ponca City, Oklahoma, the 5th of seven children to grow up on the family farm. Very active in 4H, she attended St Mary's Catholic High School, and was named May Queen by her peers senior year. She later graduated from Oklahoma A&M (now OSU).

She married Bernard T “Kirk” Kirkpatrick on August 6, 1952 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in her hometown. MC and her beloved Bernie shared 52 years in love and faith until his passing. They began their family of eight children in his home state of NJ, later moving to Dutchess County. Family was her greatest joy. She was the hub that everyone gravitated toward, bringing family and friends together for food and laughter, and sending them home nourished with love, support, and encouragement. She and Bernie created wonderful memories for their children on road trips to the family farm, staying connected with the Midwest relatives.

MC supported her family in the home for decades, and then transitioned to a professional career in medical coding, retiring from Vassar Bros. Hospital after 20 years of service.  She is a 23 year breast cancer survivor; and she leaves a legacy of 21 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great baby grands. Her delight in spending time with the children of her family was the embodiment of joy. Spending summers at camp in Accord, watching the littles play, and sharing stories around the marshmallow roasting pit was among her favorites.

The secret to MC’s long life is love.  She radiated love so abundantly that to be in her presence was to feel lightened and warmed. For her, the source of love was in God, and she practiced her faith in Him through the Catholic Church for a lifetime. At her passing, she held the silver rosary she has cherished since high school, a symbol of reliable comfort throughout her days.

MC is survived by her children: Kay Pecchia, Terrie Cruger, Jayne Kelly, Mick Kirkpatrick and fiancee Sharon Brantley, daughter-in-law Tracey Kirkpatrick,  Amy Cibelli, Jonni Nash and husband Brian; her 51 grandchildren; her siblings Lorene Buettner, Patricia Jean Kastanek, Bob Bellinghausen and wife Jane, and sister-in-law Betty Ann Bellinghausen; and many nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her beloved husband, gone before her are MC’s daughter and son, Carolyn J. Kirkpatrick and Bryan Kirkpatrick; her sons-in-law Gino Pecchia, Thomas Cruger, and Henry Cibelli; and her siblings Betty Brown, and Louis and Jim Bellinghausen.

MC was a lover of many things: reading (she had a mountain of books by the bedside), sudoku, chocolate ice cream, baby animals, writing letters, and the occasional snarky joke. Among these, she especially loved miniature horses, and donations in lieu of flowers can be made in her name to the local not-for-profit, Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue: https://www.givegab.com/p2p/sponsorahorse2021/mc-kirkpatrick, and to two organizations she supported for many years, St. Jude’s Children's Research, and Smile Train: www.stjude.org and www.donate.smiletrain.org 

The family requests you please do not send flowers, or wear cologne or perfume to the service due to severe allergies. Calling hours will take place on Thursday, March 2, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Timothy P. Doyle's Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. Funeral services will take place on Friday, March 3, 2023 at 10:00 at St. Mary's Church, Poughkeepsie, NY. Burial will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery on Salt Point Tpke, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. For directions or to leave on-line condolence please visit www.doylefuneralhome.com.