Joan Rice Kirby

Joan Rice Kirby, 90, of Easton, passed away peacefully at her home on February 14, 2026. Born September 9, 1935, in New York City, she was the daughter of the Rev. Lawrence Barrett Rice and Alma Russell Rice. Her family later made their home in the Baltimore area. Joan attended Ohio Wesleyan University in 1956 and then worked for the C&P Telephone Company. After 30 years, she retired as an executive for AT&T. She met the love of her life, James T. Kirby, in Ocean City, Maryland, and they enjoyed many years of companionship, travel, and shared memories. An avid traveler, Joan cherished exploring the country, with a special love for the Tetons. She delighted in holiday traditions and especially loved Christmas. A devoted community member, Joan was a long-time supporter of the Izaak Walton League — Maryland Mid-Shore Chapter — and served as chapter president in 2013 and 2014. She was an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Trappe and served as membership chair at the Talbot Country Club. Joan enjoyed scrapbooking, sewing, playing bridge, diamond painting, and playing the piano. Her warmth, creativity, and steady commitment to community and faith were hallmarks of her life. Joan is survived by her daughter, Sandy Sorrenti; her stepdaughter, Beth Pridgen (Tom); her stepson, Jimmy Kirby (Barb); and her very best friend, Hazel Fauth. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her son-in-law, Don. A visitation will be held at St. Paul's Church, 3936 Main Street Trappe, MD 21673, on February 19, 2026 from 10 AM to 11 AM. A funeral ceremony will begin following the visitation at 11 AM. A graveside service will be held at White Marsh Cemetery (Hole in the Wall). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to causes meaningful to Joan: UNITE Mount Vernon, Inc., to help restore the Mount Vernon Methodist Church in Baltimore where her father used to preach: UNITEMV.ORG Mid-Shore Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America — Scholarship Fund midshoreiwla.org A visitation will be held at St. Paul's Church, 3936 Main Street Trappe, MD 21673, on February 19, 2026 from 10 AM to 11 AM. A funeral ceremony will begin following the visitation at 11 AM. A graveside service will be held at White Marsh Cemetery (Hole in the Wall).

Joan Rice Kirby

September 9, 1835 - February 14, 2026