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! ❤️

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

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.