Kathryn S. "Kay" Carr, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and good friend, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2018 in Charlotte, NC surrounded by her adoring family. She was born in Roanoke, VA, the daughter of Charles J. and Annie (Evans) Short and grew up in Lovingston, VA. Kay’s mother passed away when she was only three years old. She was then raised lovingly by her Aunt and Uncle, Mamie and Wilbur Martin, with their son, Evans, along with other aunts, uncles and cousins. Her mother’s extended family did a wonderful job, nurturing a truly beautiful person.
Kay was valedictorian of her class at Nelson County (VA) High School and attended Madison College (now James Madison University) for two years before graduating as a Registered Nurse from the School of Nursing at the University of Virginia in 1949.
Her first job was at the University of Virginia Hospital, where she met the love of her life, Quintin O. Carr, who was attending medical school. They married on January 11, 1952, moving later that year to Wheeling, West Virginia for Dr. Carr’s residency. After two years, Kay and Quintin moved to Staunton, VA where he opened a private practice as a general practitioner, and Kay dedicated herself to raising their soon to be four daughters.
Once her youngest was in high school, Kay returned to her nursing career at Oak Hill Nursing Home, serving in several positions, including Director of Nursing. She retired seventeen years later.
In addition to her devotion to her family, Kay enjoyed playing bridge. She was a member of several bridge clubs with life-long friends, and she and Quintin hosted many bridge parties at their home on Lynnhaven Drive. She was an avid reader of mystery books, a hobby she instilled in her daughters as well. After retiring from Oak Hill, she volunteered in the Staunton community, including the Staunton Public Library. She even conquered a life-long fear of the water by attending water aerobics at the local YMCA. During the nearly fifty years she lived in Staunton, she and Quintin were faithful members of the First Baptist Church.
In 2001, Kay suffered a major stroke and spent the last sixteen years in several nursing homes. But her spirit was strong, and she remained her cheerful, loving and giving self. With the aid of her trusty wheelchair van, she was able to visit family and friends and to enjoy going to movies, eating out and sightseeing in her various communities. In 2006, her husband, Quintin moved to a retirement home in Charlottesville, VA, where Kay had been living for several years. In 2014, they both moved to a nursing home in Southern Pines, NC and were able to spend much precious time together.
Kay has now been reunited with her husband, Quintin, who passed away on December 22, 2017. She is survived by their four daughters: Judith Carr of Philadelphia, PA, Susan Carr of Charlotte, NC, Anne Hauser (and husband Bill) of Pinehurst, NC, and Gerri Carr of Charlottesville, VA. She and Quintin were also the proud grandparents of Sarah Ann Hauser of Richmond, VA and William Carr Hauser of Bristow, VA. In addition, she is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Nino Castellano of Glen Allen, VA, her cousin Evans Martin, who was a true brother to her growing up, as well as many cousins and nieces.
A celebration of her wonderful life will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, March 18, 2018 at First Baptist Church, 406 W. Frederick Street, Staunton, VA. The family will receive friends and well-wishers in the Social Hall of the church following the memorial service, an opportunity for fellowship, to share memories and to help preserve Kay’s memory in their hearts forever.
A private burial will be held at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton on Monday.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 406 W. Frederick Street, Staunton, Virginia 24401 or the Staunton Public Library, 1 Churchville Ave., Staunton, Virginia 24401.
Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com.
