Coreen Kay Kinnaird (2009)

KINNAIRD, MIDIRI

Posted By: Mary Welty Hart (email)
Date: 8/2/2009 at 08:42:56

Winterset Madisonian, Winterset, Iowa
July 15, 2009

COREEN K. KINNAIRD, Egg Harbor Township, N.J. and Winterset, Iowa

Coreen K. Kinnaird entered God’s kingdom to be with her Lord Jesus Christ July 5, 2009, with loving family members by her side at the home of her daughter, Ericka Midiri, in Egg Harbor Township, N.J. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 18, at the First United Presbyterian Church in Winterset.

Coreen was born June 30, 1939, to George and Marjorie Kinnaird in Winterset, Iowa. A generous soul, she gave freely her time to help those in need — including care for her mother in her end days at her parents’ farm, which she loved so much, in the lush rural farmlands surrounding Winterset, Iowa.

A true artist at heart, her delicate flower drawings and bold oil paintings won many awards, including third place at the Iowa State Fair Fine Arts Competition in 2007 (the most prestigious art competition in the state). Her strong and melodic voice was admired locally by all who heard her lovely refrains — including in the early 80s, where her band, “Foxfire,” formed with Randy Benge, entertained and delighted local establishments.

Her love of nature and animals found expression through her poetry and vast journals of writings. Perhaps Coreen will be best remembered for her love of reading, deep appreciation for the beauty of nature and of her lovely singing in praise of the Lord above through her choir service at the First United Presbyterian Church in Winterset, Iowa.

Her battle with cancer ended in peace at the home of her daughter, Ericka, son-in-law, Joseph, and grandson, Joey Midiri, surrounded by delicate flowers, a view of colorful gardens, wind-whispered trees, her beloved pets, as well as the embracing love of her daughter’s family. Since her first battle with cancer began long ago and was sent into remission with therapy, Ms. Kinnaird stated “the last 27 years had been a gift from God.”

Coreen is survived by her grandson Joey Midiri, of whom she treasured, and daughter Ericka Midiri, who will deeply miss her daily encouragement, support, laughter, soul-stirring songs and poetry as well as the greatest friendship between mother and daughter possible.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for her grandson, Joey Midiri, of whom a trust fund will be established in the memory of his cherished “Grandma.”