Ann was born on August 11, 1926, and went home peacefully to be with the Lord while at home on October 3, 2023. She was 97 years old. Our mother was born in Gallup, New Mexico and was the youngest of four girls, followed by two brothers. After high school she moved to Los Angeles where she met the love of her life, Joseph Alexander Kay. They were married for 51 years and had five children. Our parents were very involved in the support of St. Helen’s School and Church over the past seven decades. They, many times, hosted the clergy in their backyard pool for a cool dip on a hot summer Fresno day. Ann was a strong Catholic and attended Mass nearly every day of her adult life. As a homemaker she sewed and knitted, making many of her young children’s clothes. Ann also loved golf and played almost every Tuesday for the past 65 years. Our father and mother joined Belmont Country Club in 1957 and until she stopped golfing last fall, was the oldest playing member. Ann loved her family and neighborhood and also enjoyed traveling to annual family vacations at Pismo Beach and Huntington Lake. After our father’s death in 2000, she began more extensive traveling with her children and took them on seven worldwide trips exploring Canada and numerous European countries. Ann was a loving mother and loyal friend. She had a strong devotion to her husband and family and was an elegant woman of grace, style and class.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joe Kay, Sr., her siblings Betty, Irene, Rose and James, and son-in-law Mark Henry. She leaves behind her sons Joe Kay, Jr., Anthony “Acey" Kay (wife Sherri), and Matthew Kay (wife Wanida), daughters Monica Kay Garcia (husband Rod), and Clarissa “Georgie” Henry. Grand children: Joe King (wife Nancy), Kacey King (wife Megan), and Rachel and Madison Ann Kay. She had 5 1/2 great grandsons (one arriving in November).
Special thanks to our family friend and caretaker Melanie Head.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday October 26 at 10:00 AM at St. Helen’s Church, Fresno, CA. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to St. Helen’s School and Church.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Kay family.
