Anita M. (Whalen) Kirlin
Anita Kirlin Obituary
Anita M. Kirlin
1939 – 2026
Anita M. Kirlin (nee Whalen) age 87, of Media, formerly of Drexel Hill, died peacefully April 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her parents the late John I. and Gertrude C. (nee Cawley) Whalen and her husband John (Jack) F. Kirlin, Jr. She is survived by her loving children; Mary Kay (Michael) Beirne, Kristine (Steve) Kester, Denise (Cliff Evans) Hanna, siblings; John Whalen, Richard Whalen, and Cathy James. Also survived by her grandchildren Lauren, Jackie, Molly, Megan, Brett, Emily, Sarah and her great grandchildren Jack, Guy, Kendall, Wesley, and Nora.
Anita Kirlin was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania on January 23, 1939 to John and Gert Whalen. She was the oldest of four children. She graduated from South Scranton High School in 1956 and Marywood College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics and a minor in Math and Art in 1960. She moved to the Philadelphia area in 1960 when she married her college sweetheart John (Jack) Kirlin.
Anita was a devoted mother to her three daughters- Mary Kay, Kristine and Denise and adored her seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. While raising her children, she also completed post graduate studies in Library Science at Villanova University. She began working as a Children’s Librarian at Haverford Township Free library in the late 60’s until 1990. She loved offering Story Time to all the preschoolers.
In her 50’s, Anita completed additional classes at Delaware County Community College to receive her certification in Early Childhood Education. She then taught Nursery School at Drexel Hill Baptist School.
In her spare time, our mother loved to garden. The garden was her sanctuary and happy place. She continued that tradition into her retirement years.
Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation Wednesday, April 15, 2026 beginning at 9am to 10:15am at Ruffenach Funeral Home, 4900 Township Line Road, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania 19026 where her Funeral Liturgy will follow at 10:30am. Interment Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Katie Kirlin Fund.
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