Carolyn Susan Kay
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It is with great sadness that the family of Carolyn Susan Kay of Lee’s Summit, Missouri announce her passing after a difficult but brave battle with pancreatic cancer on March 8, 2022 at the age of 73.
She was born September 18, 1948, in Independence, Missouri to her loving parents Dorothy and John Halastik. Carolyn attended Van Horn High School and graduated in 1966. In her youth she spent lots of time with family at the Ozarks performing amazing water-skiing tricks with her siblings. She spent 25 years as a committed AT&T employee. As a single parent, she taught her children to be strong, independent and loving adults. She took her children on countless vacations with her sister’s family in Texas. Carolyn loved everything outdoors, especially her beautiful yard, garden and plants. She loved fishing with her two brothers, family and friends. Hiking with her family and grand dogs Rosie and Jordan was another activity Carolyn greatly enjoyed. Carolyn was selfless and spent her time giving to others. You could always count on her to be there for you no matter what you needed. Her children and grandchildren were her life. Carolyn NEVER missed sporting events, concerts, performances or any other activity pertaining to her three cherished grandchildren. No matter the distance, she was always present to cheer them on.
She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Kerri (Marlon) and their daughter Kate; son Jonathan (Alison) and their children Collin and Lily; mother Dorothy Halastik; her sister Mary Ann (Jerry) Kelley, her brothers Chuck (Lisa) Halastik and Robert (Dixie) Halastik; and nieces and nephews Suzanne Halastik, Alicia White, Robby Halastik and Jenna Wolniak and many cousins and friends who loved her dearly. Carolyn is preceded in death by her father John Halastik and nephew Jason Kelley.
Thank you for the numerous stories and notes from those whose lives were impacted by her presence. A private service will be held at Lake of the Ozark’s at Carolyn’s request. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date so that friends and family may honor Carolyn’s life.
Visits: 1
You were Amazing! I remember your back porch with flowers and all the love in that house when i visited. The front yard filled with ? I felt at home. I hope you feel at peace and home now. We will definitely not forget you! ??
My childhood is at Carolyn’s house. She would let Kerri have slumber parties, and anyone was welcome in Carolyn’s home. She would allow us to tear through her whole house laughing and giggling until the wee hours of the morning. She never made us go to bed, she’d just go to bed and shut her door cuz she knew we were safe so she was happy. My mother and Carolyn became friends, so I’m sure they are hugging now. Thank you Carolyn for making your home my second home, and some of my best memories as a little kid will forever remain in my heart, in your home.
We met in 8th grade, at Van Horn High School, In Independence, MO. What a wonderful time we had !
Life growing up in the 60’s was a crazy time.
Carolyn was a life-long friend, she always had a smile on her face, and always ready to give her friends a hand up.
Carolyn went to work at Western Electric and she called me to come join her. It was later the name changed to AT&T, we both ended up staying over 1/2 of our lives.
We have remained friends till this day, I will never forget her kindness, generous nature, and the love for her family, friends.
She had the most beautiful yard, every year…..she was one in a million.
Love you Carolyn, we will be together someday soon !!!
Carolyn was absolutely amazing! I can still picture her driving up into our cul-de-sac to get Dawson so he could be with Colin and Lily for the day. Our world will forever be better that she lived in it.
We were not lucky enough to know Carolyn throughout her life having just became acquainted with her in the last few years. But it didn’t take long to notice her kindness. When talking with her, if we mentioned a happy life event, her selfless response was, “I’m so happy for you!” We knew Carolyn long enough to realize how very genuine she was–when she said she was happy for you, she meant it. It also became clear to us that her mother, children and grandchildren were her first priority in life. She bravely fought her battle with cancer so she could have more time with her loved ones.
Donna and Bill Decker
March 15, 2022
To Carolyn, our Precious and Dear Friend for so many years. It is so sad that we had lost touch with each other. I had no idea that you were ill. The last time I saw you was at a restaurant with Keri and her daughter and all was well. Carolyn all the years we rode together to AT&T to work. The many, many hours we talked and gave each other our input on family and vacations, and “stuff”. We always loved and admired you so very much. God will now give you great peace and we pray this for your family too.
Met Carolyn in High School and we instantly became friends. She had a beautiful family a I was lucky enough to be invited to the family’s lake house one summer. Learned to water ski and got to know her mom & dad and siblings. My folks loved to visit with Carolyn’s parents when we saw them at Sugar Creeks festivals. John & Dorothy passed on their love of family to Carolyn. Later, when I was working at AT&T Corporate in NJ, Carolyn & Mary Ann and I met in New York and spent a weekend enjoying the city and seeing “The Beauty & the Beast”. As we got older and I moved to Dallas we would see each other when I came home to independence but haven’t gone back so much since my parents passed. Carolyn was one of the kindest, self sacrificing people I’ve ever met. The world was a better place because of her.
Carolyn, will miss you, love Nora
I am so sorry for your loss. I still drive by Carolyn’s house and fond memories from childhood fill my head. From slumber parties to the softball fields and school programs, Carloyn was always there to root for us and cheer us on. May you find peace and comfort, and are surrounded by love during this difficult time.