Toy Jean Kay

Toy was born on October 17, 1924, in Butte, Montana, to Sam and Goldie Luke. She moved to Olympia in 1941 as a young bride and, alongside her husband Bill, worked as a waitress and manager of Kay’s Café for 33 years before pursuing her dream of higher education.

Destined to be a teacher, her first job outside of the family restaurant was with The Willows School, where she developed a vocational program for students with disabilities, teaching them skills for entry-level positions in the restaurant industry. This meaningful work helped her earn a Bachelor of Arts in Social Services and Education from The Evergreen State College in 1978.

From 1978 to 1987, Toy taught English and life skills to many young Southeast Asian refugees who arrived in Olympia following the Vietnam War. Inspired by these students, Toy founded the Olympia Area Chinese Association in 1980—a thriving nonprofit dedicated to preserving Chinese culture and promoting cross-cultural understanding within the local community.

Toy was well-known for her deep commitment to community service. For 64 years, Toy was a dedicated member of the Olympia chapter of Zonta International, a global nonprofit advocating for women's rights, equality, and education. She also volunteered with numerous organizations including the Community Action Council, Olympia Chamber of Commerce, Olympia Youth Task Force, Thurston Mason Housing Authority, Thurston County’s Human Services Review Council, and many others. Through her tireless efforts, Toy touched countless lives and helped shape a more compassionate and supportive community.

Over the years, Toy was recognized for her outstanding contributions with numerous awards, including the YWCA Woman of Achievement Award (1990’s), the Living Legend Award of Thurston County (2003), the South Sound Exceptional Woman Award (2018), and the Gerry L. Alexander Annual Heritage Award (2024).

Toy cherished decades of family holidays and reunions at her home on Eld Inlet before moving to The Firs Retirement Community later in life. Wherever she went, she was a bright and authentic light. She wanted the best for everyone—and wasn’t shy about offering her opinion on how to achieve it. Toy approached life with boundless curiosity and an open heart, and she was always ready for a spirited political, metaphysical, or intellectual conversation. Her enthusiasm, wisdom, and tenacity will be deeply missed.

Toy was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Kay, her parents Sam and Goldie Luke, and her siblings Gene, Frank, Mary, Hazel, Mae, Betty, and Billie.

She is survived by her children Jerry Locke (Penny) and Judi Foulkes (John); her grandchildren Laurie Dumar (Jeff), Ashley Locke, and William Locke (Denys); her great-grandchildren Alex Dumar (Madison), Ian Dumar (Kindra), Ellison, William, Grayson, and Scarlett; her great-great-grandchildren August, Jackson, and Taylor; and her sister Ann Tanabe.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at The Firs and the caregivers at Quality Care Adult Family Home for their kind and loving care.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Lacey Community Center, 6729 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Toy’s memory to the Toy Kay Scholarship or the Olympia Area Chinese Association.

“May you use the gifts you have received and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are.” Toy Kay