Kay Barney

Barney, Emma Katherine "Kay" 11/16/16 - 3/07/13 SAN DIEGO -- Kay joined the angels on March 7th reuniting with her husband Jim, her 12 siblings and other dear ones. She was the beloved mother of Katherine (son-in-law Larry Alameda) and Susie (son-in-law Terry Sexton) grandmother of Scott and Heather Alameda, Colin and Ashley Sexton and great-grandmother to Kaylin Arey. Born in Guide Rock, Nebraska, Emma Katherine was the daughter of Daniel and Maude Erwin. Her roots began on a farm where hard work and perseverance were mainstreamed into everyday living. As a young teen, she moved to York and lived with another family, allowing her to graduate high school. Kay's boundless energy and determination took her away from the farmlands to head west to help her older sister Cleo and husband care for their young daughter. As a young woman, Kay landed a job as a receptionist for a doctor who encouraged her to become a nurse. She began her studies at Mercy College of Nursing. During this time she met her future husband Jim on a blind date on New Year's Eve 1939. They shared a love of dancing, married in 1942 and celebrated 35 years of marriage until his passing in 1977. Kay graduated in 1942 and began a dedicated career as a Registered Nurse. While working at Mercy Hospital, she became the supervisor of the nursing staff in surgery. Later she became surgical assistant for Dr. Floyd Bond a prominent ophthalmologist. Her passion for nursing was evident over her 35 year career. After her retirement, one of her greatest pleasures were the times she spent at extended family gatherings. She especially enjoyed quality time with her grandchildren and playing golf with her friends. She was a longtime parishioner of St. Didacus and Mission de Alcala where she served as a Missionaire for over 20 years. Kay lived her life by example, always accepting what the good Lord gave. She had an incredible spirit and a heart of gold. She was a remarkable woman, mother, grandmother and friend. Our hearts will forever hold her dear until we meet again. We have another angel in Heaven. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 13th from 5-7 pm, with rosary recited at 6:30 pm at Merkely-Mitchell Mortuary, 3655 5th Ave., San Diego 92103. Funeral services will be celebrated on Thursday, March 14th at 11 am at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum Chapel, 4470 Hilltop Dr., San Diego 92102. A reception to celebrate Kay's life will be held after the service. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Glenner Memory Center, 3702 4th Ave, San Diego 92103.