Nunda: Joanna Henrietta Margaret Kirk; our dear Jo, died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday evening, January 12, 2021 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester NY, from complications resulting from cancer treatment and surgery. She was 57 years old. She is predeceased by her mother Margaret Craig Kirk and her step mother Elsa Kirk-Boon. Jo is survived by her husband of 33 years, Charles (Chuck) Strickland in Nunda, NY, her father Robin S. Kirk and spouse Ina residing in the Netherlands, her brother Robert Kirk and spouse Tracy, and sons Matthew and Oliver, residing in the UK, her sister Georgina Kirk Becerra and daughter Lauren residing in Texas, her sister Mathilde Kirk and spouse Daan van Kempen, and children Alex and Elsa, residing in Belgium, and her brother Eddie Kirk residing in the Netherlands.
Jo was born in 1963 in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, and grew up in NW England in Lancashire and Cumbria. Always academically driven, she completed her MA in jurisprudence (law) at Hertford College, Oxford University in 1984, and went on to accomplish a post graduate diploma in jurisprudence at the College of Europe in Belgium in 1985.
In 1985 Jo’s adventuring spirit then took her to Colombo, Sri Lanka where she taught at an international school. There she met Chuck, who was in USG foreign service managing agricultural projects. They married in Sri Lanka in 1988 and traveled together to a long term USG posting in Nepal, followed by a Washington D.C. assignment, before moving to their farm in Nunda, NY. where they have resided since 1995.
Jo was a full time professor at SUNY Geneseo teaching in the faculty of the Sociology and Political Science departments. Her service at the college began in 1997 as editor and principle writer for college advancement publications. Jo’s love for teaching drew her into the classroom where she was in her element interacting with the bright, motivated students of SUNY Geneseo, and she received awards for her dedicated teaching.
Jo also had a passion for Yoga, which she studied for many years and taught regular classes in both Nunda and Geneseo, NY.
Jo embarked on so many adventures and projects throughout her life, there are too many to recall within the limits of an obituary. She was a bright, warm, loving soul who drew people together, and she will be much missed by students, friends and family all over the world.
There will be no funeral service. A memorial event will be held in late 2021 after resolution of the corona virus pandemic.
In lieu of flowers or donations, the family would like people to be kind to each other…strike a yoga pose and think of Jo.
I Just recently found out that dear Jo has passed, and I couldn’t be sadder. Jo was a very playful, brilliant, bright light in my life, and I will always remember her this way. I met her in Geneseo at our yoga classes before she became a yoga teacher. I would feel such joy and companionship practicing yoga with her, she really brought out childhood-type joy in me. There was something about this amazing woman that filled me with wonder and, as corny as it sounds, just made me happy to be alive. Her extensive traveling, humanitarian outlook and dedication to teaching — she was an exceptional professor! — made her a kindred spirit. Although she was younger than me, she seemed like a big sister, always giving me great advice about taking time out, not to be such a workaholic, and to follow my passions. I just recently moved to the West Coast, and we spoke about her visiting soon and all the fun we would have. So heartbroken that this trip will never take place, but I am so thankful Jo held such an important place in my life and will continue thinking of her often, especially when I practice yoga. All my love to her beloved Chuck and family. Rest in peace dear friend.
Jo Kirk was an incredible mentor and friend. Quick witted, inspiring, caring about her students, community, and greater global society. She inspired me as a student and young professional, and I am so deeply saddened to hear of her loss. Sending strength and love to Chuck and the Geneseo community missing Jo.
I will always remember Professor Kirk. She was beyond inspirational and one of the best teachers I have ever known. She inspired me to go into law, and I will be attending law school this Fall. I will always be thankful to have known her. My deepest condolences go out to her family and friends. She was a true gem.
I am a former student and teaching assistant of Professor Kirk. It’s not an exaggeration to say that Professor Kirk greatly influenced my world view, expanded my knowledge and thinking of feminism, and helped me achieve my longtime goal of attending law school. She will be greatly missed.
My namesake, Mathilde Kirk, and Jo Kirk were a pair apart.. their fast jokes to each other difficult to follow, thanks to the speed and depth of their follies. Mathilde will miss her, and so me, Mathilde Boon….
It is with great sadness that I write this. As a former sociology student at SUNY Geneseo, it truly saddens me to hear the news about the late Joanna Kirk. She was such an articulate and influential women whose expectations of her students pushed them to become better young adults. I am forever changed because of her! She taught me what it meant to be a sociologist. I send grave amounts of love and my most sincere condolences to her family. She will be missed.
I knew Jo when she and Anne Eisenberg enthusiastically joined our pre-law advisement program. Their work eased a burden for me as well as helped revitalize our mission, and Jo contributed her expertise, leadership, and dedication in countless ways.
When I taught Western Humanities I in Athens in 2014, Jo served as our Program Director. I will always remember our joint work there with great fondness–her humor, knowledge, enormous competence, and reputation (her legendary ability to make extra buses appear for the Ghana study abroad program). In Athens, I got to meet her sister Mathilde when she came to visit Jo, and it was great to see them enjoy each other’s company. (Jo once told me that when Mathilde was maybe four years old, she asked Jo, in Dutch, to make her a pancake; Jo said she’d do so if Mathilde asked again in English.)
It’s heartbreaking to have to say goodbye to Jo so soon. My prayers are with Chuck and Jo’s entire family; and I think Geneseo will long be grateful for a marvelous professor and mentor.
Graham Drake
Geneseo English Dept./Pre-Law
Forever in our hearts, dear John.
Jo was a beloved friend to me and my family. She was selfless, patient, funny and brilliant. We had wonderful times together. She would drag me from my work about once a week for a walk and I was always so glad she did. I miss her very much. My heart goes out to Chuck and to her family. God bless you all.
Dear Chuck, dear family of Jo,
As a high school friend of Jo’s sister Mathilde I was lucky to meet Jo a couple of times. Every time she touched my heart with her loving bright and intelligent character. The world needs people like her. She will be remembered.
Jo was, in every way, one of the most remarkable, brilliant, accomplished and kind individualsI have eve I known. I will always treasure my times with her. Anyone that was fortunate to have her as a friend or professor was the better for it.. Her legacy is only outshined by her beautiful smile. Her spirit now soars over her home on Middle River Road that she loved so much. To her dear Chuck and her family: Jo is missed , but not missing. .
It is with great sadness that I learned of the recent death of Professor Kirk. As a Sociology major (class of 2020), I was not only a student of hers, but also one of her teaching assistants. I was impressed by her dedication, depth of knowledge, and never ending enthusiasm. Professor Kirk often invited students to her home and I was fortunate to enjoy several trips there. Apple picking and paddle boat racing with Professor Kirk and fellow Geneseo students are fond memories that will always remain with me.
My heartfelt condolences to her family.
Jo was a wonderful friend and colleague. I have fond memories of our Livingston CARES service trip to Biloxi, MS in 2009. What a unique and caring person she was: fearlessly opinionated yet always cheerful. She will be missed.
Jo joined our College Advancement staff in 1997 and was an extremely talented writer highly valued by all her colleagues. She was a joy to work with and had a passion for learning and sharing ideas with staff members, faculty, and students. May cherished memories be a blessing for Chuck and all Jo’s family and friends.
Art Hatton
My heart goes out to Jo’s family and to the SUNY Geneseo family who loved her too. Jo was one of a kind and I cherish the time I got to spend with her in our faculty/librarian partnerships. What I learned from Jo about teaching, compassion, and just being a good and genuine person goes with me into every classroom I enter. I hope it can bring you comfort to know a bit of her lives on in those she mentored.
We are sorry to learn about Jo’s passing. She was a wonderful colleague and friend. She made a difference on our campus and in the community. Jo never hesitated to help out with a project or program and we will remember Jo as a servant leader.
So very sorry to hear this. Jo will be so missed at Geneseo. Very, very saddened by this; the world feels a little emptier.
Dear Chuck and all of Jo’s family, I send much love and heartfelt condolences. Jo was a wonderful colleague and kind friend. I will never forget her wry humor, her perceptiveness, or the wonderful days we shared in Cuba, talking about life and teaching and the state of the world. I am grateful I got to see Jo in her element – at home on the land, hosting a summer part for life-long and new friends, wrangling the dogs, and letting my boys feed the fish in the pond. I will miss Jo, and we will feel her loss sorely at the college. Namaste, Jo.
Dear Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Jo will be missed at Geneseo. Her death shocks me because she was always so full of energy and smiles. It will take a long time before the loss of Jo sinks in. I hope that your family takes comfort in the life that she lived and the gift of positive energy she gave to everyone who she knew
I’m am so sorry to hear this. It truly saddens me.