Dr. Shirley Kirkman Osterhout, age 81, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed into the comfort and peace of our Lord on September 23, 2013. She was the daughter of the late Thomas Carlton Kirkman and Harriett Jones Kirkman.
Growing up in High Point, NC she learned to love classical music while playing the piano for 12 years and playing the violin in her high school orchestra. She enjoyed attending many concerts and operas throughout her lifetime. Her love for Duke began as a child as she travelled to Durham with her family on numerous occasions to attend Duke Football games.
She graduated from Duke University in 1953 and received her MD from Duke in 1957 where she was one of five women graduates. She joined the Duke Medical Center House staff where she was an Intern in Pediatrics, then an Instructor and finally becoming an Assistant Professor in Pediatrics. Even while caring for her patients, she was also the Assistant Dean for Medical Education where she mentored and assisted medical students through their work of becoming a doctor. Through her work, the medical students grew fond of my mother and father so much that they were often parodied in the annual student faculty show. In recognition of her outstanding teaching she received the Golden Apple Award Student AMA Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1973.
While at Duke, Shirley continued her service to children initially as Clinical Director and then as Medical Director of the Poison Control Center. She traveled throughout the state promoting child safety through Health Fairs and seminars. She even incorporated her lifelong hobby of dollhouses into an innovative display, illustrating the many places of household dangers. Her work with Dr. Jay Arena and mentor Dr. Susan Dees inspired her life’s career in pediatrics and child safety. She retired Professor Emeritus from Duke Medical School in 1997. “Dr. O,” as she was fondly known, will be remembered as a gifted pediatrician.
Shirley assisted in writing, editing and publishing numerous articles in newspapers, magazines, books, and journals on poisoning prevention and treatment. She also served on many advisory committees within national organizations, including the Food and Drug Administration, American Association of Poison Control Centers and Governor’s Task Force on Injury Prevention.
Shirley was a devoted member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church since 1960, and she was an active member of Catholic Daughters. Shirley and her husband, Syd were avid Duke Fans. In her retirement, Shirley enjoyed spending time with Syd and her grandchildren, tending her garden, especially her roses, traveling the world and volunteering at the classical music station, WCPE.
Shirley was married to the late Suydam Osterhout for 50 years. She is survived by her daughter, Ann Garrett and husband, Jeff, of Wake Forest; son Mark Osterhout, and wife, Anna, of Rocky Mount; and son Martin Osterhout of Raleigh; also surviving are four grandchildren whom she adored, Sydie and Mary Helen Garrett, Ben and Kathryn Osterhout. She is also survived by a brother, Thomas C. Kirkman, Jr and his wife Janet Kirkman and a sister, Ann Carter and her husband Bob, seven nieces and nephews, five great-nieces and nephews and a Godson.
The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the staff and caregivers at Croasdaile Retirement Village in Durham for not only their professional and compassionate care of our very special mother but for loving her like family over these last several years.
Friends may visit from 6-8PM, Thursday at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, 1113 West Main Street, Durham.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, 10AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 810 W. Chapel Hill Street, Durham. Father Larry Hayes, OFM will preside. The burial will follow in St. Matthew Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to WCPE, The Classical Radio Station, Box 897, Wake Forest, NC 27588.
The Osterhout family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, Durham. On-line memorials: www.hallwynne.com. Select obituaries.
Cathy Wilfert & Sam Katz
September 25, 2013 at 12:00 amShirley and Syd represented all the best at Duke Medical School for patients and their families, students, house staff and fellow faculty members. They are sorely missed.
R. Rodney Howell, M. D.
September 25, 2013 at 12:00 amI so much remember Shirley who was in my medical school class and we were houseofficers together. I left her in High Point frequently when I was driving from Durham to Concord, my home town. She and Sid were great friends and I will miss them both. My condolenses to all the family.
Angela Moore
September 25, 2013 at 12:00 amSweet Ann and Family: My heartfelt thoughts and prayers for peace are with you and your family. Reading Dr. O’s story was truly inspiring. Sounds like she was an amazing and wonderful woman – which is not surprising since it is represented in her wonderful daughter and family. We love you, Annabelle!
Erin Geary
September 25, 2013 at 12:00 amMartin,
Although I did not know your mother, I know she must have been a wonderful person because she passed on humor, kindness and the importance of friendship to you. Love, Erin
Alex Kemper
September 25, 2013 at 12:00 am“Dr. O” was a wonderful educator who made a significant contribution to the care that children and their families receive. It is an honor to be able to say that she taught me pediatrics.
Ray Greenberg
September 25, 2013 at 12:00 amI had the privilege of working with Dr. O when I was a medical student. We published several papers based upon the data of the Poison Control Center. She was a wonderful mentor and a caring and compassionate doctor. It is more than three decades since I last saw her, but what she taught me and how she taught it remains very much alive.
Bob Chessin,MD
September 25, 2013 at 12:00 amI was a Duke pediatric intern and resident from 1973 to 1976. Shirley was a great teacher and mentor. I have many good memories of her. My thoughts and prayers to her family.
Kathy Riley
September 25, 2013 at 12:00 amDr. Osterhout was one of my preceptors during my residency training at Duke from 1990-1993. She taught me many things about being a gentle and compassionate general pediatrician, while always keeping a good sense of humor. I have used her advice in my own practice many times, and am thankful she took the time to share with us. I’ve missed her Christmas letter these last few years; she used to say that my girls reminded her of her red headed granddaughter. I’m sure she is singing with the angels.
Louis Jacobson, MD
September 25, 2013 at 12:00 amI am proud to say that Dr. Osterhout was a preceptor and teacher of mine during my pediatric residency from 1988-1991. I have many wonderful memories of her and always enjoyed her teachings. I even recalled a story of her in my general pediatric practice the other day. My deepest condolences to her family. I will never forget her.
Gerald Ahronheim, MD
September 25, 2013 at 12:00 amMy condolences.
My memory of Shirley is that of a sparkplug sort of person, who could speak her mind and get her points across without ever offending anyone. I’m sure she will be missed by all who knew her.
Herodotos Ellinas
September 25, 2013 at 12:00 amI will always remember Dr O as the gifted pediatrician who taught me how to evaluate and take care of the neonates in the nursery. The attending rounds were entertaining and she always had something special to say about each and every baby. Dr O you will be missed! You have changed so many lives with your talent.
LIrio Palmos
September 25, 2013 at 12:00 amIt was such a great privilege for me to have Dr Osterhout as one of my preceptors during my internship and residency at Duke from 1990-1993. It has been 20 years ago but good memories of and the wisdom shared by this wonderful, witty, funny, down-to-earth mentor still linger. My prayers go to her beloved family.
Kenneth Kirkman
September 26, 2013 at 12:00 amFor all those family members that don’t know me, I am the son of P.V.
While only seeing Shirley at Duke bball games for years, she was a life long favorite. My sympathy for the family, a special woman is gone. but only after a meaningful and good life.
Reuven Pasternak, MD
September 26, 2013 at 12:00 amI remember well the kindness shown by Dr. Osterhout during my time at Duke Med 1973-77. So sorry to hear of her passing – a warm, remarkable woman.
L. Reuven Pasternak, MD
CEO, Stony Brook University Hospital
Cathy N.
September 26, 2013 at 12:00 amI had the honor and privilege of working with Shirley on my first job at Duke in 1975 in her role as Assistant Dean of Medical Education. Not only was she a terrific role model for a kid fresh out of school, but quickly became a dear friend and mentor. I can only hope that I have lived up to her expectations. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
BENTON LEVIE
September 26, 2013 at 12:00 amShe was devoted to students & housestaff.Always practical & right on target.Genuine & compassionate.Loved teaching.Many fond memories of time with her in clinic & poison control
Don Kirkman
September 26, 2013 at 12:00 amLeigh and I extend our condolences to the Osterhout, Kirkman, and Carter families. Although I was the youngest of the first cousins and there was a significant age gap between Shirley and me, I remember her fondly, notwithstanding that she was a Blue Devil through and through. She lived an extraordinary life that positively impacted countless lives, and she will be missed by all who knew her.
James Principe MD FACP FAAP
September 26, 2013 at 12:00 amDuring my med/peds residency ’88-’92, I recall Dr Osterhout as being both knowledgable and nurturing. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Kimberly Iafolla
September 26, 2013 at 12:00 amShirley was a kind, lovely person who was an amazing physician. The world is a much better place for having been here. We are all blessed to have shared a part of her life. God be with you all.
Elizabeth Sawyer Webber
September 26, 2013 at 12:00 amMartin, I was so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. You are in my thoughts.
Charlotte Tilley
September 26, 2013 at 12:00 amShe was such a gifted person in many ways. I worked for her for 25 years in the Poison Control Center and also with her Pediatric patients and the medical students. We shared a lot of fun, some sorrows and a love for Duke. When the Poison Control Center shut down, we went seperate ways, but kept up with each other. I will always miss her.
Nancy Piatt
September 27, 2013 at 12:00 amAs a pediatric nurse at Duke, I worked with “Dr. O” for many years. Besides being a great pediatrician, she was one of the nicest and most entertaining people I’ve ever known – my thoughts are with your family –
Nancy Newark
September 27, 2013 at 12:00 amDr. O was the pediatrician for both my sons. We love her! We also loved seeing her at the Duke football and basketball games wearing her Duke blue shoes.
We will always remember her kindest.
vernnon sanders
September 27, 2013 at 12:00 amAs a former Duke classmate, I send sincere condolences to Shirley’s family.
Lucy R. Freedy, MD
September 28, 2013 at 12:00 amFond memories and great respect for both Shirley and Syd; I am so pleased our paths interlocked at Duke. Medicine and family are all the better for their having passed this way, their legacy lives on. Lucy R. Freedy, Class of ’57
Bobbie Hendrix
September 29, 2013 at 12:00 amDr. Osterhout cared for both of my children in her pediatric practice and we are so grateful for her wisdom and practical advice over the years. She has had an amazing impact on the families fortunate enough to be in her care.
Michael Deitchman
September 30, 2013 at 12:00 amShe was a great teacher and example of what a pediatrician should be. And on top of that, a wonderful person. She will be missed.
Marc Bahan
September 30, 2013 at 12:00 amShe was my favorite mentor and taught me as much about being a good person as being a good Dr. I think of her often
Katrina Winter
September 30, 2013 at 12:00 amDr. Osterhout was my son’s pediatrician for a short while before her retirement. She was without a doubt my favorite doctor as she showed such love and compassion to her patients and shared so much practical parenting tips and advise to me as a new parent. I celebrate her life with you her family for a life well lived and many lives touched!
George E. Bacon, MD, Duke Med '57
October 2, 2013 at 12:00 amVery sorry to hear about Shirley. We were at the same anatomy table our first year, and have remained friends and fellow Pediatricians ever since, although at a geographic distance ! I’m sure you are proud of her many accomplishments!
George Engstrom
October 29, 2013 at 12:00 amIn the early 1960’s Charlie Hartsell, Jim Morphis and I were Jr. Ped. Residents and worked with both Sid and Shirley. It became evident that Shirley was interested in Sid, but he seemed busy and distracted by work. The house staff organized a party and the 3 of us drew straws to see who would put a bug in Sid’s ear to ask her for a date. Charlie “won” and talked to Sid who immediately said, “good idea” and with no hesitation asked her out …and the rest is history. Sid taught me bacteriology and Shirley taught me pediatrics. I have fond memories of both.