ForeverMissed
Large image
Camille wasn’t known for being a wallflower. In fact, anything but. Whether it was the rainbow palette she enjoyed wearing, her passion for creative hobbies or her vibrant personality, Camille brought color and originality wherever she went.

Those who loved Camille Van Kirk – husband Ken; children Ken, Stephanie (John), Paul (Kim) and Matt (Stephanie); grandchildren Celeste (Austin), Kenny, Andy, Rebecca, Adam, Nathan and Julia; sisters Suzanne (Jay) Gubrium and Kathy (Mike) McInerney sister and brother-in-law Kathleen and Dave Poremba – grieve the loss of this vibrant soul after she passed peacefully on October 21, following a slow decline from Alzheimer’s.

She was born Camille Kish on September 6, 1941 in Wyandotte, Michigan. The eldest of three children born to Albert and Gizella Kish, Camille’s early childhood was spent playing with sisters Suzanne and Kathy. She attended Fordson High School where she was a social butterfly who sang in the choir and wrote for the school newspaper.

After graduating in 1958, Camille attended the University of Michigan and Henry Ford Community College. While there she befriended a man who would later become her brother-in-law. He suggested she write a letter to his brother in the Navy, then stationed in San Francisco. The two began a letter writing friendship and -- not entirely by coincidence -- Camille took a trip to California shortly after where she met Ken in person. They began dating and soon after, Camille moved to California and rented an apartment. Camille and Ken then married on June 2, 1962.

Camille gave birth to Kenny the following year in California before the family moved cross-country for Ken’s new job in the White House Communications Agency. Daughter Stephanie was born in Maryland in 1965. Life as a young mother was challenging, with two small children and a husband who worked long hours, but Camille rose to the challenge. She learned to cook meals from scratch, manage the family’s tight budget and sew clothes for the kids.

The family moved back to Michigan in 1967 where Ken worked at Control Data, then Ford Motor Company and went to night school. They made their home in Redford initially then moved to Canton in 1976. Camille gave birth to sons Paul in 1969 and Matt in 1970. Now as a busy mom of four, Camille kicked into high gear. She juggled meals, grocery shopping, PTA meetings and the kids' soccer, baseball, football, cross country, and basketball practices and games. She was outspoken when necessary, like when she fought the local School Board when they proposed the recategorization of ketchup as a vegetable in school lunches. (Camille won that battle!)

With a desire to better herself, Camille chose to go back to college when her kids became teenagers, eventually earning an associate's degree from Schoolcraft College in Medical Records Coding. She then worked at MPRO and Veteran’s Hospital before finishing her career at University of Michigan Hospital (now Michigan Medicine). Camille took great pride in being a working mother, often joked about having to decipher physicians’ horrible handwriting and was grateful for the lasting friendships she made with colleagues.

Camille was a very capable cook but truly excelled at baking. You name it – cakes, cookies, the best cheesecakes ever, etc, – she made them all delicious. One of her favorite desserts was a nod to her Hungarian heritage – a multi-layered spongecake called a Dobish torte. After realizing how many hours it took to make, the feisty Camille told her family she would only make future iterations for herself on her birthday – which she did!

In 1994, Camille became a grandmother which was one of her most cherished roles. She had seven grandchildren in all, and loved every stage with them, from rocking or feeding them as babies to treating them to the annual Santa and Easter Bunny brunches at Macy’s to doing puzzles, playing games, baking, and decorating the Christmas tree with them. She was always anxious to talk with her grandkids, lovingly peppering them with questions about school, friends, sports or future plans.

After a 25-year career, Camille retired in 2006 to enjoy more time with her family, read more of her beloved murder mystery novels, travel and spend more time doing hobbies. And what hobbies she had!

Her true artistic talent was revealed in Camille’s creative hobbies, of which there were many. Camille did sewing, quilting, ceramics, jewelry making, crocheting, needle point, basket weaving, painting, sketching and coloring -- a master at all! But if you complimented her obvious innate creative talent, Camille would – in her very humble way – say there was no greatness involved. She’d tell you she taught herself like anyone could, and remind you she had plenty of screw-ups along the way too.

Despite the awful 70s fashion trends of the day, Camille made amazing clothing for her children. Later in life, she created the most envied Halloween costumes for her grandchildren – many of which without any patterns! – including Buzz Lightyear, Po from the Teletubbies and “Super WHY!”, the TV cartoon superhero.

Her sewing pastime turned into somewhat of an obsession, finding it hard to drive past a JOANN’s or Hancock Fabric store without stopping, and sales were especially tempting! Camille would even purchase unique fabrics, buttons or patterns, each a treasure unto itself, with grand plans of what she would make with each one.

She shared her sewing and quilting hobbies with her daughter Stephanie, and the two made a vacation out of it when they drove with their spouses to a well-known quilting store in Missouri in 2016.

Camille and Ken's travels also took them to France and Finland, on an Alaskan cruise and to wineries across Michigan and California.

Camille was a “foodie” before it was trendy, with true appreciation for gourmet food and unique dishes. Garlic was her favorite seasoning and was known for eating it in copious amounts almost anytime of day. She loved to visit Trader Joe’s, Holiday Market or Fresh Thyme – even if just to browse the aisles –  and would excitedly tell friends or family about the unique purple sweet potato or giant rotini noodles she picked up. She delighted in meals eaten at fine restaurants with The Earle and Common Grill amongst her favorites, and looked forward to her “birthday lobster and crab cakes” once a year, flashing a big grin for a photo in her obnoxious lobster bib.

Ever the conversationalist, Camille loved having robust discussions about world events or politics with friends old and new. She was intrigued by meeting new people wherever she went. By the end of a dinner out, she could likely tell you all about the waitress: where she’s attending school, what her major is and what city she lives in.

Like the beautiful art and handmade items she created, Camille was colorful and one-of-a-kind. She brightened the lives of all who loved her the past 79 years, and for that we’ll be forever grateful. We'll cherish our memories of Camille and will forever miss the sound of her voice lovingly calling us "toots" or "kiddo." 

We know friends and family would love to share memories of Camille in person, but her family has chosen not to have a public funeral or memorial due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, we encourage everyone to share a photo (https://www.forevermissed.com/camille-vankirk/gall...) or a story (https://www.forevermissed.com/camille-vankirk/stor...) of Camille, or you can leave a tribute below. 

Donations can be made in Camille’s honor to Michigan Medicine’s Silver Club Memory Programs, where Camille spent quality time enjoying the program specifically crafted for those experiencing dementia. Click here to donate: https://bit.ly/3dSgwO7.
June 12, 2023
June 12, 2023
I just learned, through the grapevine, that Camille had passed....after missing her Christmas cards (with beautiful handwriting) for a few years. She had a way of making others feel special and always included, in her jovial way. We worked together at U of M (Michigan Medicine) and, looking back, recall her being witty, colorful, trustworthy and (to me) brilliant. I'm sure she was a wonderful Grama and glad to see sooo many treasured memories and photos of Camille shared here! ❤️
October 21, 2021
October 21, 2021
Mom - on this first anniversary of your passing, I am missing you very much. I so wish you were here to experience Celeste’s wedding this weekend. You would be so proud of her and so happy for Celeste and Austin. I know you will be with us in spirit.

I wish you were here to celebrate my retirement with me. If you were here, you would be making plans for all of the sewing and quilting projects that we could work on together in all of my free time. Every time I go to my sewing palace (as we would call it) I think of you. Thank you for sharing your craft with me.

You are in my thoughts and remain a part of my life always. I love you and I miss you every day.

Love,
Stephie
November 10, 2020
November 10, 2020
I feel so badly for all of you for the loss of Camille. I know that she was a loving mother and fun loving person. It is never easy to lose a loved one, but when the world loses a woman such as her, it leaves a void in so many people. Hopefully you can find comfort knowing that so many people loved her and also care about all of you. Keeping you all in my prayers.
November 6, 2020
November 6, 2020
Stephanie and family, I just found out about your mom and I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. Your house was always so full of fun and good memories. Your mom truly was a great lady.
October 25, 2020
October 25, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Camille was such a vibrant person. Our memories are filled with happy thoughts of her welcoming smile and conversation. No matter who came into her presence, she had the incomparable ability to make everyone feel at home. She was warm, accepting, and always connected to each individual. She was a treasure and we are lucky to have known her. We will miss her warm smile during our holiday visits with family that often included a meal with Camille and Ken and of course, lively conversation!
October 25, 2020
October 25, 2020
To Ken, Ken, Stephanie, Paul, Matt and all of Camille's grandchildren. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful mother and grandmother. I worked with Camille from 1997 to 2006. We sat next to each other at work for many of those years. Seeing and talking to Camille at work everyday was always the highlight of my work day. She had such a good sense of humor. I loved hearing about Camille's family and her sewing projects. I enjoyed all the restaurant visits Camille and I went to after her retirement. I also enjoyed several visits to the Van Kirk house and always had a great time. Camille was a great friend and I will miss Camille very much. Nancy Howard
October 24, 2020
October 24, 2020
To the whole Van Kirk family, I’m so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you. Aunt Camille was a wonderful woman. Like my sister, I was pretty awed by Aunt Camille’s sewing and baking skills. And I remember when we visited it was just so much fun to be there - between the cool split-level house, outdoor swimming pool and dry humor, it was always a good time. Looking back at the pictures brought back lots of fond memories - I’ll always remember hanging out (and being one of the «kiddos») and feeling relaxed around my aunt. Love and hugs to you all, Erika.
October 24, 2020
October 24, 2020
I'm so sorry for your loss!! I remember the amazing smells that came from your house. I remember when my mom got sick and your mom made us scrambled eggs with ketchup.  Ewww on the ketchup, but we got to eat outside on the picnic table. For some reason her kindness that day has stuck with me.
October 24, 2020
October 24, 2020
I met Camille at Cedarwood and shared her love for Agatha Christie. I still am surprised by how much I had in common with her and how much I enjoyed spending time with her. She was a warm, caring person who raised children, from what I could see or hear, obviously loved her.
October 24, 2020
October 24, 2020
To Mr. Van Kirk, John, Stephanie & Celeste--and all of the Van Kirk children and grandchildren... We are so heart-broken over the loss of your wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, friend and so much more. Your beautiful tribute highlights how wonderful Camille was--her many talents, interests and her love and devotion to your big, beautiful family. The grief you're coping with over the magnitude of this loss can't be accurately expressed in mere words, but just know that we grieve with you all. We loved looking through the photos and seeing the richness of Camille's life and how meaningful family was to her. I especially love the wedding photo of the just married Mr. and Mrs. Van Kirk with their wedding cake. I see such a strong resemblance to Celeste in that lovely photo. You've shared so many beautiful memories with us/everyone and we hope that those wonderful memories will help sustain you in the coming days and weeks... Dear Stephanie, we send you, John & Celeste and your father -- your brothers and their families--all of our love and are so very sorry for your huge loss. Much love to you all from Mike, Tina and Kurt.

Leave a Tribute

Light a Candle
Lay a Flower
Leave a Note
 
Recent Tributes
June 12, 2023
June 12, 2023
I just learned, through the grapevine, that Camille had passed....after missing her Christmas cards (with beautiful handwriting) for a few years. She had a way of making others feel special and always included, in her jovial way. We worked together at U of M (Michigan Medicine) and, looking back, recall her being witty, colorful, trustworthy and (to me) brilliant. I'm sure she was a wonderful Grama and glad to see sooo many treasured memories and photos of Camille shared here! ❤️
October 21, 2021
October 21, 2021
Mom - on this first anniversary of your passing, I am missing you very much. I so wish you were here to experience Celeste’s wedding this weekend. You would be so proud of her and so happy for Celeste and Austin. I know you will be with us in spirit.

I wish you were here to celebrate my retirement with me. If you were here, you would be making plans for all of the sewing and quilting projects that we could work on together in all of my free time. Every time I go to my sewing palace (as we would call it) I think of you. Thank you for sharing your craft with me.

You are in my thoughts and remain a part of my life always. I love you and I miss you every day.

Love,
Stephie
November 10, 2020
November 10, 2020
I feel so badly for all of you for the loss of Camille. I know that she was a loving mother and fun loving person. It is never easy to lose a loved one, but when the world loses a woman such as her, it leaves a void in so many people. Hopefully you can find comfort knowing that so many people loved her and also care about all of you. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Recent stories

Aunt Camille

October 24, 2020
I remember Aunt Camille's sour cream raisin pies - to this day, it is one of my favorite pies - one that I ask my mom to make at holiday time. I also remember that we (my sister Erika and I) used to get the costume "hand-me-downs" from our cousins. But they weren't the usual kind - they were special. We got the beautifully sewn Raggedy Ann and clown costumes, among others. I hold Halloween costumes up to this standard - and they're never as nice as the ones that Aunt Camille made. I am sorry that we cannot meet in person to celebrate my aunt and will always deeply admire her craftiness. 
October 24, 2020
I will be forever grateful for all the love and support Camille gave me when my mother, Camille's Aunt Ann, was in rehab following her stroke. My mom was fighting going to rehab and wanted to return to my home instead. I was about to acquiesce when Camille called me and said "Are you nuts?" That is an exact quote. She convinced me that it would not only be detrimental to my mother but also to me as well. She was convincing and my mother wound up in rehab and made quite a recovery. Camille would visit her often and that meant the world to all of us. We will all miss her and wish her loved ones all the best.

Invite others to Camille's website:

Invite by email

Post to your timeline