BETTY JANE KIRKWOOD (nee Connor) Age 87. Originally from Newark, N.J. Loving mother of Jeff (Lori Novack), Diane Carlson (Carl), Kathy Brooks (Mark Roderick), Joanne Louden (Frank), John, Dan, Mary Lou Armstrong (Pete); grandmother of Todd, Heather, Jay, Steve, Stephanie, Greg, Chris, Scot, Jeremy, Scott, Mike, and Jamie; great grandmother of Ryan, Sean, Brooke, Mack, Devin, Celia, Max, Katie, Chip, Julie, Mason, C.J., Thalia, Kara, Kaycee, Kalista, Kristen, Ava, and Brady. Betty devoted her life to animals; she spent the majority of her full life working with horses at Northfield Racing Park. Her strong will and sharp wit resonated with everyone who she encountered. Her strength and courage will be remembered and cherished by everyone whom she touched. Some people just leave memories; however, Betty also left lessons and examples. Her fighting spirit lives on in everyone she left behind. Passed away Jan. 16, 2009. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday Jan. 20 St. Mary Church (Berea) (250 Kraft St.) at 11:30 A.M. PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME 86 ADALBERT ST. BEREA (ONE BLOCK NORTH OF BAGLEY OFF FRONT ST.) MONDAY 6-8 P.M. Memorial contributions to the Humane Society or the St. Jude Children's Hospital.