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Kay Haubois Obituary
Kay Davitt Haubois passed away suddenly on April 11, 2011 as a result of complications from a recently diagnosed illness.
She was born in Philadelphia, PA on August 16, 1937 to Harry and Elnora Davitt. Kay attended high school in Media, PA and graduated from West Chester State Teachers College with a B.S. in Elementary Education.
Kay taught elementary school in the Red Clay (formerly Stanton) and Christina Districts for more than thirty years. She taught science and special programs for gifted students. She ended her professional career as a visiting teacher (truancy officer) with statewide impact.
She was a member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church and was active in bells and choir. Kay also served on the Foster Care Review Board and was a dedicated foster mother for over 25 years, providing a loving home to over 100 foster children between December 1974 and June 1999. A number of them went on to college or additional education. Kay also enjoyed breeding and showing Shetland sheep dogs.
In 1992, Kay invited a diverse group of single women, mostly from St. Mark's UMC to her home for New Year's Eve. This turned out to be the first meeting of "The WWs", a group of 11 single, professional women who enjoyed the laughter and sharing that took place that night. The group now has monthly dinner meetings at their homes and Kay has particularly enjoyed hosting a picnic in the summer and the annual New Year's Eve get together. Kay also enjoyed traveling with these friends. As founder of The WWs, she will be sorely missed and The WWs will forever be grateful to her for bringing them together.
In all aspects of her life, Kay was well known for giving of herself to others and expecting nothing in return.
Kay is survived by her parents, Harry James and Elnora Knotts Davitt of Hockessin; her brother H. James Jr., and his wife Gail Cline of Richardson, TX. Their sons: Dr. James S. Davitt of Lake Oswego, OR, wife Karen and sons Jackson and Sean; Michael L. Davitt of Dallas, TX, wife Michelle and sons Ryan, Aidan, and daughter Kennedy; and Matthew C. Davitt of Takoma Park, MD, wife Jennifer and son Colin.
She will be dearly missed by her immediate family as well as extended family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at St. Mark's UMC, 1700 Limestone Road, Stanton on Saturday, April 23 at 10 am, with reception to follow. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Kay's memory to the American Cancer Society, 92 Read's Way Suite 205, New Castle, Delaware 19720.
To send condolences, visit:
www.dohertyfh.com
302-999-8277
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kay Haubois
Andrewetta Shaw
April 15, 2025
Still missing you and your great laughter.
Andrewetta Shaw
Jennie Schaeffer
June 9, 2011
Im so sorry to hear about mom I had no ideal Ive been looking for her for months and the telephone directory could not find her. She was a wonderful foster mother to me.I miss her so much. I moved back home and wanted to see her so bad. If her mother and father reads this please ask them to call me. My number is 215-239-0533. I would really love to talk to them even see them again.
Janet Hitchcock Kocornik
May 12, 2011
Dear Harry,Elnora and Jim
Distance may separate us, but the memories are always near and dear. I know Kay is still watching over you. Janet and Coke
J0AN SWANSON
May 8, 2011
My Best Friend, Rest happy knowing that you have left a legacy of love. So many whose lives you touched,saved, changed, are passing forward the caring, believing, giving that you taught by your example. And we are connected by the bond of knowing you . My personal memories are in my head and heart always. I miss you!
Joan (Sis)
Shara Britton Sullivan
May 2, 2011
Dear Uncle Harry and Aunt Elnora, Kay was a wonderful daughter and cousin. Ron and my prayers and thoughts are with you. She will be missed. Love to you both.
Clarice Knotts
April 29, 2011
So very sorry to hear of Kay's passing. My condolence to the family.
Angel Smith
April 24, 2011
Mom Kay,
You were my Angel, you took me in and gave me a wonderful home. I am so grateful to you for everything you did for me. You were wonderful mother, teacher and role model. I will cherish all of the time you were in my life and all of the memories. You will be truly missed.
Foster Daughter #101
Love You More,
Angel Smith
Garin Bethel
April 24, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of such a great person & close friend of the family in Kay. My Mom (Pat Bethel) has always kept me informed and would rave about how wonderful Kay has been to Uncle Harry and Aunt Elnora as a friend and neighbor. She has led a loving and caring life touching the closest that surround her. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends in this time of great lost.
Kathy Covelli-Reyes
April 23, 2011
Mother Kay,
I met you 13 years ago as a Visiting Teacher with the Christina School District. I knew from the start you were one of a kind. Loving, dedicated, passionate, and yes stubborn. I know you enjoyed "mothering" me and I appreciated your guidance & support more than I told you. I do not remember you ever giving up on a child and I try to model that every day as I carry on your good work in the schools and in Truancy Court. I speak for all of the Visiting Teachers when I say that we will love you & miss you always. Go in peace,
Dave Stiff
April 23, 2011
Lynn Fornadel
April 22, 2011
There are some people met long ago that still hold a place in your heart. Mrs. Haubois was one of them for me. I did not have her as a teacher, but really envied those who did. She was a "hands on" type of science teacher, and I remember fondly the day our (4th grade?)class at Forest Oak Elem. got to go to her classroom for "a learning experience" in science. Upon entering the room, she had us line up and all sample little cubes of something on toothpicks. She even invited us to go back for seconds if we wanted. Later she would tell us what it was.....cow tongue! Lesson learned? Never judge a book by it's cover? Anyway, here I am at 55 yrs old and still hold onto that memory. Mrs. Haubois was truly the kind of person who deserved to be a teacher and I'm sure will be dearly missed by everyone who was close to her. Sincerely, Lynn Fornadel (Bevans)
Andrewetta Shaw
April 22, 2011
Kay was an awesome lady whose smile stood out in the crowd. As one of her co-workers at Shue-Medill, I witnessed her love for the students she represented at court sessions. As one of her friends, I witnessed the love and care she joyously gave to her parents. My eyes tear even as I write this message. Will miss the fruitcakes. WILL MISS YOU.
Lynne Herman
April 22, 2011
Kay and I worked together during the early 80's and became good friends. My heart goes out to her extended family during this difficult time. I will always remember her compassion for foster children and her students. She was an inspiration to all of us and will be greatly missed.
Patricia Bethel
April 22, 2011
Uncle Harry, Aunt Elnora, Jim and family:
What an incredible life of giving to others. It was so enjoyable learning of all of the blessings Kay has left to so many and how many lives she touched. She has left an everlasting and blessed legacy. I wish I had experienced the privilege of knowing her first hand. May the spirit of her life be your comfort at this difficult time.
Much love,
Pat (Patricia Louise Davitt Bethel)
Melissa
April 22, 2011
Mom Kay,
I will never forget what you told me the day before you passed. I love you.
#86 the one who is as stuborn as you...
April 21, 2011
I was very fortunate to have worked with Kay in the gifted and talented program at Bayard Elementary in the early 1980s. I couldn't have asked for a better teaching partner and friend. Her generosity of spirit and love of kids made her a joy to work with, and I'm thankful to have known her. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Marge Easley
Wilsonville, Oregon
Rand Townley
April 21, 2011
I had the privilege and honor to work closely with Kay during my tenure with the New Castle County Police Family Services Squad. Kay always had the best interests of the juvenile at her heart when working every case. I recall many times when she would be involved in a truancy case and always take into consideration the many possible outside influences, such as abuse in the home, runaway, or emotional or mental issues – then advocate for the youth instead of “lock em up and throw away the key”. Kay’s professionalism remains a strong memory. She will be missed. I extend my heartfelt condolences to all of her family and friends.
Jaime Anne Earnest
April 21, 2011
To the family of Mrs. Haubois- I had Kay as my gifted and talented teacher in the 5th grade. I will always remember her as an engaging, warm, and talented teacher who always had our best interests at heart. I recall her not just teaching us the contents of a subject, but to think critically about things--a skill not easy to teach 11 year olds. I am now an adult in my early thirties, and a doctoral level scientist, thanks in no small part to the early spark of learning in Kay's classroom. Surely her legacy will live on in all the children she taught and cared for. It will certainly live on in my life. My deepest sympathies,
Kid
April 21, 2011
Kay,
I miss you. Just knowing that you are not here anymore, makes me tear up. I cherish the memory of times we spent together.
I am sorry that I waited for 'some other day' to do some of the things we planned upon doing.
I will always hold you alive in my heart. I wish I could tell you how I feel but I know you are out there smiling upon every single one of those who loved you.
May you rest in peace.
Love you,
One of your kids
Christina O'Connor
April 21, 2011
Kay you will be missed so much. Thank you for opening your heart and home to so many foster kids. You never gave up on me and you never stopped short of the miracle. Because of what you gave to me, I'm now able to give back to others. I will miss our times at Phillies games. Jim, Gail, Joan, Harry and Elnora remember Kay is always in your heart. Love, foster kid number one, Christina
Dave STiff
April 21, 2011
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Christmas 2010
April 21, 2011
Dinner At Red Lobster
Dave Stiff
April 21, 2011
k c
April 21, 2011
Kay was a wonderful delightful woman who will be dearly missed. kc
Christmas Dinner 2010
Dave Stiff
April 21, 2011
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