Maryann Kirchner, 78

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Maryann "Annie" Kirchner, 78, of Pittsfield, died Monday morning, Feb. 8, 2016, at the home of her son, Henry Joseph "Hank" Kirchner, in West Roxbury.

Born in North Adams on July 14, 1937, she was the daughter of James and Mary Esther Libbus Joseph.

Ms. Kirchner was employed for many years at the former Adams Supermarket and was the dining room manager for several area restaurants, including the former Cellar and TJ's Steakhouse, owned by her brother. She was also a certified hairstylist and worked for Manuela's Beauty Salon.

In 1999, and after caring for her mother, who had Alzheimer's, she found her true calling and it was the start of who she really was. She became a nanny, "Annie the Nannie" to two young girls whom she would care for the next eight years. Because of the love the parents and the girls had for "Annie," they asked her to move to Connecticut with them and then Michigan a couple of years later. When the girls grew older, Ms. Kirchner moved back home and cared for an elderly woman and later an elderly gentlemen.  

Our beloved had been called to Heaven; people who knew her well would say she was an angel on earth. She brought much love and light to people she cared for. It was against her will to see them watch the world go by, so she would put them in the car and go for rides and visit interesting places. Taking care of others gave her such gratification. She was a communicant of St. Mark's Church.

Besides her son and his wife, Robin Ostrowski Kirchner, she leaves a sister, Freida Ramsey and her husband, David, of Pittsfield; a brother, Richard Joseph of Pittsfield; a sister-in-law, Andrea Joseph of Pittsfield; her goddaughter, Jacqueline Smith, whom she loved as her own; many nieces and nephews, and her former husband, Henry A. Kirchner of Pittsfield.

She was predeceased by her brothers Edward Joseph and Fuad Joseph, and her sisters Helen Ferris and Nazeerah "ZeeDee" Robair.

FUNERAL NOTICE  — The funeral for Ms. Kirchner  will be Friday, Feb. 12, 2016, at 8:30 a.m. from Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral Home, 5 Elm St., Pittsfield, followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:30 at St. Mark's Church. Burial will be private.  

Calling hours will be Thursday, Feb. 11, from 5 to 8 at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in care of the funeral home.