Barbara "Barbie" Kays Carde

COLUMBIA - Barbara "Barbie" Kays Cardé passed Friday, September 30, 2022. A celebration of life will be held for Barbie at St. Michael’s and All Angels Episcopal Church (6408 Bridgewood Road, Columbia, SC) on Friday, October 7, 2022. There will be a reception in the parish hall with coffee and light fare at the church at 10:00 a.m. The service will begin at 11:00 a.m. The family requests that family and friends wear color - Barbie loved the colors of her garden.

Barbie Kays Cardé was the embodiment of love, strength, generosity, and kindness. Her love and commitment to her family and friends was and remains as vast as the ocean which she so adored – her favorite place. Barbie was the fourth-born child of Leon “Paul” Kays and Barbara Ann Kays, born on February 10, 1956. She would be quick to tell you that this was two years prior to the first Barbie doll. Barbie’s parents and siblings were her first and lifelong best friends, and she missed her parents every day after their passings. There is no doubt their reunion was an incredible one of pure joy.

Barbie was a steadfast wife, amazing mama, loving friend, and incredible person. Born in Somers Point, NJ, she lived in 9 states before she was seventeen years old and developed an ability to make friends and love on her family wherever she went. She attended Kent State University where she met her husband and the love of her life, Aubrey Cardé. One week after graduating in 1978 they were married in Lorain, Ohio where they lived for many happy years before moving to South Carolina on July 4, 1985 to be closer to family and sunshine. Barbie adored her children Aaron Paul Carde and Hallie Michelle Carde (Seth Morphis). Barbie was the cornerstone of the Cardé family and the four of them laughed often, danced much, and loved fiercely together. Barbie ensured that from their first moments throughout their lives, Aaron and Hallie knew unconditional love. She provided support to both her children and Aubrey when he was on long deployments in the service of his country. She was her family’s true north and moral compass throughout life, and she lived hers always giving to others.

Barbie always missed her angel daughter, Amy Rose Cardé, who was born in 1989 and whom she held briefly before she was called into heaven. Barbie spoke often of holding Amy again, and Aubrey, Aaron, and Hallie take comfort in their hearts and souls that they are together once again.

Barbie committed her life and career to teaching and serving the hearts and minds of countless children throughout 20 years of tireless and selfless service. Her family remembers her numerous hours poring over lesson plans and her early mornings preparing to be the best teacher she could be. Each of her students remained in her heart and the family Christmas tree was adorned with many student ornaments every year – she always remembered each name. She loved each of her students and her guiding light will stay with them wherever they are forever.

When Barbie was 28 years old, she received a life changing diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), but she never let MS define her life or spirit. Barbie courageously faced every MS related challenge, boldly projecting a positive outlook of hope that she shared with her MS support group friends. She remained gently determined to overcome all the sharp edges of the trials the bad days posed for her. She always kept her heart light and freely given to those in need, to strangers, and to all of those she loved.

She shared her love of flowers (especially the roses in her rose garden), books, dogs, and the beach with her immediate and extended family. She proudly explored Montana trails and rafted rivers with her family, she made the best eggplant parmesan, she gathered her family for reunions, and she brought immeasurable light to this life. The world is already a bit duller for all of us without her special smile and contagious laugh.

Barbie was predeceased by her parents, L. Paul Kays and Barbara McLaughlin Kays. Left to carry on Barbie’s legacy of love are her husband, Aubrey Cardé, her son, Aaron Paul Cardé, both of Columbia, SC; her daughter, Hallie Michelle Cardé (Seth Morphis) of Missoula, MT; her siblings, Martha Kays Hruska (David Hruska) of Mt. Pleasant, SC; Gregory Paul Kays (Linda Kays) of Fulton, CA; Karen Ann Kays of Columbia, SC; Mark Paul Kays (Kelley Kays) of Eastover, SC, and Susanne Kays Copeland (Michael Forrest Copeland) of Chapin, SC and her many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She loved her family with her whole heart and will continue to guide them with love and light in the days to come. Our hope as a whole family is that each of us can move through the world with the gentle love and strength of Barbie Cardé.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society,

https://www.nationalmssociety.org.Donate or

St. Michael’s and All Angels Episcopal Church,

https://saintmichaelepiscopal.org/give/