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Kathleen Lay Obituary
Kat was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pa., where she also was married on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, the USS Lexington. She had lived in several places over the years and last worked as a pharmacy technician at CVS.
Kat will be remembered as a loving wife and a giving person who cared deeply for her family, friends and her two cats, Tut and Cleo, who she adored.
Kat was a motorcycling enthusiast who enjoyed charity poker runs. She also enjoyed boating and horseback riding. She had a thing for elephants and owned an extensive collection of elephant pictures, figurines and jewelry. She loved and lived life to the fullest.
She leaves behind her devoted husband of 27 years, Ernie Lay; a brother, Ralph Thompson of Akron, Ohio; her nephew, Andrew Thomson, of Columbus, Ohio; her mother, Kathleen Govan of Ocean City, N.J.; and godchildren, Edward Smith, Rachel Marie Natiello, Andrew Thompson and Adrienne Tuggle.
Kat donated her body to Science Care in Phoenix, Ariz.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society, or Hospice and Palliative Care, Lincoln County, N.C.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathleen Lay
cheryl boundy
November 18, 2007
Ernie
So sorry to hear the very sad news.
Memories are a wonderful thing. Sam and I will never forget horseback riding with her at Diamond A.
Donna Ringuette
November 18, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
WILLIAM WOOD
October 8, 2007
ERN,
SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT KAT, SHE WAS A VERY NICE PERSON, I NEVER DID MEET YOU BUT I MET HER AT ST. JOSEPH'S WHERE VAL INTRODUCED US.
I LOST MY WIFE 11 YEARS AGO, FROM LUNG CANCER, SO I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH.
I WILL BE AT KAT'S MEMORIAL SERVICE ON THE 28TH OF NOVEMBER, AT 11 O'CLOCK. BILL WOOD
Carol Anne Lawler
October 5, 2007
I had the privilege of knowing Kat during her last chapter of her journey on earth. She impacted my life and I will always remember her. I am thankful for the privilege of being with her.
ernest lay
October 3, 2007
hello again,
seems like i'm confused on when thanksgiving is. kat's birthday is on the 28th. her memorial is on the 28th @ 11 am. a week after thanksgiving. so hopefully it will allow people to make it without having turkey day conflicts. looks like she planned this just right.
thanks
ernie
ernest lay
October 2, 2007
hi everyone,
i'm planning to have a memorial service for kathy at the last church she regularly attended in dayville ct. i wanted to do it on her birthday. i know its the day before thanksgiving but its the most appropriate day i could think of. please try to attend, it will be at 11 am. please let me know if you can make it.
thanks
ernie
Rachel Marie Natiello
September 29, 2007
"Kathy dearest i love you so much" there are just some things you can't put into words on how much a person meant to you an how much of an influence one person can have on your life.You are missed so much,it hurts.But im proud to have you as my god mother an have your name.
love you always,
Rachel Marie Natiello and my son
DeVonne Anthony as Kat would call him "ANTNEEY"
Deborah Natiello
September 29, 2007
Ernie, This is so hard to do. So many years,so many memories. We miss Kat.I miss Kat.
Love You, Debbie,Tim,Rachel Marie,
and Anthony.
harris
September 18, 2007
Ernie,
We are truely sorry for your lost. We are just a phone call away at any time when you just feel a need to talk,cry or whatever. Kat will be truely miss by all those who knew and love her. Iam going to miss all the jokes that she couldn't wait to tell me and her laugh.
Our Deepest Sympathy,
The Harris Family
Annie CArino
September 16, 2007
Ernie,
I am so sorry for your loss. My cuz was a heck of a woman. She was loving, kind and generous. I am grateful for the time we all spent together at my house before you moved. It was really nice connecting again, she knew all the great stories of our family. She was like the older sister I never had, unconditional love was what she gave to us all. I will miss her very much. Please know that we are praying for you in this time of deep sorrow.
Cousin Annie and Family( Upstate NY)
Rob & Tracy Cushman
September 16, 2007
We're really going to miss Kat. She always took good care of us, as if we were family. We'll miss the special parties at the "Pearl" and great meals she prepared. We'll also miss the boating days and the vacations we would go on. We can hold onto the great memories of her and all the good times we shared.
on a turkey run delivering food
September 13, 2007
out on the boat @ gardner lake
September 13, 2007
monkeying around in fla.
September 13, 2007
kat, ralph & andy
September 13, 2007
kat, rachel & eddie
September 13, 2007
kat and the neighborhood fuzz
September 13, 2007
kat & peter n. / henery the 8th
September 13, 2007
loves the horsies
September 13, 2007
holding the horse
September 13, 2007
some of her friends and family
September 13, 2007
September 13, 2007
Larry and I were blessed to get to know Kathy. She made an impact on my life just having known her for a short time with her love and enthusiam. She fought her illness with courage and was an inspiration to Larry. She showed such an appreciation for what the neighbors did for her and we all wish we had been able to get to know her better. Ernie, you are in our hearts and prayers, please let us know if we can help you in any way. May God comfort and bless you.
Hazeline and Larry Link
Lincolnton, NC
Sammie Norman
September 12, 2007
Ernie, I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I would have had more time to know her better. Every time we talked she was always so concerned about Harolds health I knew she was a very caring person. Just know we are here if we can help in any way.
Val (MissVee) Cooke
September 12, 2007
Ernie: Hopeful you are doing okay! We don't want Kat messing with our minds! Between her and Wally, we don't have much of a chance! They kinda think the same way! They both love boats! Of course, Wally will have to share his time with Kat and Jesus 'cause he and Jesus are competeting in a "Bass Tourny"! I think she will get a "handle" on all that stuff! After all, she has Wally as her "angel"; he has 5 years seniority! God bless..keep in touch! I have all the confidence in the universe, you can do this! Don't disappoint me! We have a "higher force to contend with now"!
Donna
September 12, 2007
Ernie,
I will treasure all the wonderful memories I have of Kat. She was very special to me and even more so to Andy. I will miss her wonderful outlook on life and love. She made some difficult times a little easier with her friendship and laughter. We may not have talked and visited as often as we should have, but she was always in my thoughts. She will always be my "sister" and I will miss her dearly.
Danielle, Ed, Ashley Smith
September 12, 2007
Ernie, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We enjoyed getting to know you and cousin Kathy. I will miss her. She was like a mom/sister to me. I will miss the talks that we had. We will never forget the boat ride, pocker run, playing pool, and the pearls of wisdom she give to me and her zest for life and telling it like it is. She will live in our hearts forever.
Linda Hosier
September 12, 2007
Ernie
Though I didn't know Kathy very long, I feel like we really had a special relationship. She was so easy to talk to and allowed me to share my own chemo experiences with her. When I accompanied her to her treatments, it was never like a real doctor's appointment. It was more of just an outing between good friends. We had such a good time together and I am truly sorry that we didn't have more time to get to know each other even better.
You certainly have my deepest sympathy. I lost my first husband quite suddenly in 1994 from a heart attack so I can empathize with your loss. Please remember that your friends are always here for you.
September 12, 2007
Ernie,
I am sorry for all that you and Kathy had to go through after you moved to our neighborhood. We all felt so helpless at times and wished that we could have eased the pain. I know the struggles of starting a new life without the person closest to you, but I also know that you will find a way. I only wish that I had had more time to get to know Kathy better. Please take care of yourself and allow others to help.
Jan Elmore, Lincolnton, NC
Stephanie Johnson
September 12, 2007
Ernie-
My heart goes out to you. I am so sorry you lost your soulmate and a very warm, fun, wonderful wife and very human being. I treasure the memories of time with you & Kat, the fun we had and the passion Kat had for life no matter what came down the road!!
Pam Charney
September 12, 2007
Ernie,
I'll always remember Kat as a fine, compassionate, wild woman. She was special. Rest assured, she'll not be forgotten by those whose lives she touched.
ernie
September 12, 2007
hi all,
please check out the photo album for some pics.
ernie
me
September 12, 2007
sorry for your loss
Mike&Gloria Watson
September 12, 2007
Dear Ernie
The first time we met Kat and you, ya took us in just like we were family, As it turned out we became as family. Our sis is no longer here with us but will forever be in our hearts.
Dawn Walker
September 12, 2007
Hi Ernie, I met Kat at her mailbox in Lincolnton one day and she was such a sweet person. When I would pass by and she was out she waved and smiled. I wish I had known her a bit more, as she must have been such a special person. Please know that all of your neighbors are thinking of you and are here for you also. sincerely , Dawn Walker, Brookwood Acres
FURBEE
September 12, 2007
Kat was the best we had great times. She was the life of the party. Any where we went we had fun. Womens oil wrestling, late night bowling, and going out on the boat and watching wrestling Thursday nights. She called me FURBEE and FURBURGER. I will never forget her. She always kept a picture of my mom and always said Hey AGNES. She will be greatly missed.
what a cutie
September 11, 2007
biker chick
September 11, 2007
around 2003
September 11, 2007
around 2000
September 11, 2007
soon after we were married in 1980
September 11, 2007
Adrienne Tuggle
September 11, 2007
Kathy, was so funny. If it wasnt for her..i wouldnt have so many extended brothers and sisters..haha. She was like another mom to me, i even had my own snacks at her house, and a draw for my spare undies!! I wish I was able to say it in person and I regret the fact that we havent spoken in so long.....ROCKY!!!!
Jeanne Tuggle
September 11, 2007
My prayers are with you, Kathy was a hoot, and so good to Adrienne and Nyse.
Denyse Tuggle
September 11, 2007
Ern, I loved Miss Vee's blurb, I can just see Kat creating all that havoc! Just wait till you see what she's doing on the other side! I'm remembering the “prints” we left on the sidewalk in Norwich (smile), the Saturday night games with Pooh Corner playing for Adrienne and the Sunday boat rides. I miss you both, wish you hadn't moved. Oh so many great memories that I’ll treasure forever. My heart just breaks for you Ern. I know you & Kat were truly soulmates and I know how much you loved each other. She’ll always be in our hearts, so she’ll always be with us. Love ya Hans!
ernie
September 11, 2007
thanks guys,
She was my life. 27 years together and it wasn't enough. i miss her so very much.
Val (Miss Vee) Cooke
September 11, 2007
Sincere sympathy Ernie. Kat was my 3rd daughter! She, Lynette and Chris would sit behind me at Mass, St. Joseph's Dayville and create havoc! A "nasty" look from me and the priest, almost put them back in good behavior. Love for life, you and her elephants--overwhelming. Loved by all she touched. That love will remain in our hearts forever. God bless!
Lauren Sholes
September 10, 2007
Ernie
You are in my thoughts, Kathy was such a Hot Ticket. She had trained me to be a manager at Cumberland Farms. I remember how much fun we had when Bob & I had gotten married. I wish I had kept in contact with you both. Peaceful thoughts and love to you
Kathy McLoughlin
September 9, 2007
Words just can't express how sorry
I am for your loss Ernie. I know
how much you loved Kathy. This world is a little less bright without her.
Diane Elliott
September 9, 2007
So sorry to hear of your loss, Ernie.
I w orked with Kathy in Uncasville, Ct.1977 - 1989.
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