Judith Kay

Judith Honey Kay

Judith (Judy) Kay, a wife (widow), mom, sister, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother, died Tuesday, December 30 at River Garden Hebrew Home for the Aged. She was born in the Bronx, NY and moved to Miami with her family when she was 15. She attended college where she studied bookkeeping and accounting and worked for the Brother Sewing Machine company as an accounting clerk. The company sent her to its New Orleans office to oversee the books in May 1954, something that was unusual for women in the mid 50s. While in New Orleans she was set up on a blind date. It was a perfect match as she and Jerome (Jerry) Kay were engaged that evening and married in Miami less than two months later on July 31, 1954. They were married 64 years and lived in Miami and then Longwood, FL before settling in Jacksonville where they lived in Julington Creek Plantation. Dad, the love of mom's life, predeceased her in February 2018. She missed Dad terribly.

Judy lived a long life, leaving her family and friends at the age of 95. She is survived by her three children, Suzanne Kay MacNeil, son-in-law Tim MacNeil, Karen Kay Mason, son-in-law Tommy Mason (deceased) and Larry Kay, daughter-in-law Cindy. Along with her children, Mom leaves behind four grandchildren, Cameron, Max, Alexandra and Madelynn and four great-grandchildren, Catalina, Winslow, Wesley and Nathaniel. She also leaves behind her beloved sister Lois Brenner, her niece Nancy Brenner and nephew Michael Brenner (Jennifer) and their children Meredith and Nathaniel.

It cannot be overstated that the staff and medical professionals at River Garden gave Mom the gift of exceptional care. She and Dad first lived in the Coves at River Garden before she moved to the assisted living facility in 2021. The nursing staff, CNAs, aides, social workers, activities staff, and all the caregivers she interacted with, gave Mom naches (joy) and friendship.

Funeral services will take place Monday, January 12 at 1:00 p.m. at the Jacksonville National Cemetery where she will be with Dad. The family requests that in lieu of flowers gifts be made to River Garden Foundation. The Foundation is "committed to fostering a philanthropic culture that drives River Garden to be a leader in promoting healthy aging with innovative and compassionate care".

https://rivergarden.org/foundation/donate/

May the memory of our mother forever be a blessing