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Mary Ellen Kirn


 

 

Mary Ellen Joyce Kirn passed away on Nov. 20, 2020, at age 81 in Mariposa from Parkinson’s disease.

Mary Ellen was born in Minot, N.D., on Sept. 27, 1939 to Ruth Mary Sullivan Joyce and Sylvester John Joyce. Mary Ellen graduated from Tioga High School and went on to study in Bismarck, N.D.

Mary Ellen grew up in Tioga, N.D. She was a favorite aunt and baby-sitter for beloved nephews and nieces.

Mary Ellen was wed to Thomas Michael Kirn on Nov. 19, 1960, in Bismarcka. Together, they raised six children and made Mariposa County their home beginning in 1974. Mary Ellen held several positions outside the home, including many years as secretary to the magistrate at Yosemite National Park. She found her life calling, however, as the owner and hostess of Poppy Hill Bed and Breakfast in Mariposa. For decades she delighted in welcoming visitors from all over the world. Her B&B was renowned for its beauty, restfulness, awesome breakfasts and other thoughtful touches. Guests came year after year to enjoy Poppy Hill and Mary Ellen’s hospitality, and experience the wonders of Yosemite National Park.

Mary Ellen is survived by her siblings, Daniel (Mary Ann) and Michael ( Joan) Joyce; cousin, Jean Fenstermacher (Tom) Thomas; children, Michael (Kathleen), Laura (Paul Pyle), Patrick (Marjie), Daniel, Mary Kay and Amy; grandchildren, Jeff (Holly) and Anna Laird, Nick, Shannon and McKenzie Kirn, Kevin Long and William and Mary Jane Cruz; honorary grandchildren, Nate and Sarah Pyle; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her spouse, Tom Kirn, and siblings John Joyce, Patricia Joyce Kohler and W. Thomas Joyce.

Special love and thanks to her wonderful caregivers, Amy (Kirn) Cannon, Tisha Cullens and Billie Gunderson, who helped make her last years comfortable and enjoyable.

In lieu of an in-person memorial, we encourage family and friends to post memories, stories and pictures online at Remembering Mary Ellen Joyce Kirn at www.kudoboard.com/boards/C4i66a2c.

For those of you who have asked, donations in her name to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation would be appreciated.

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