Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint
Flint, Michigan
Oct 14, 1941 – Apr 10, 2019 (Age 77)
FORTIER, Katherine “Kay” F. (Pietrusinski) , age 77, died peacefully at home on April 10, 2019. Kay was born on October 14, 1941 in Flint, Michigan. As a young girl, her family moved to Bay City, where she graduated from St Stanislaus Kostka High School in 1959. Kay went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, and taught elementary school grades 3 and 4 for 44 years before retiring in 2006. Most of those 44 years were spent teaching 3rd grade at Barhitte Elementary School in Burton, Michigan.
Kay married the love of her life, David Fortier, in 1965 celebrating 50 years of marriage prior to his death in 2016. Together, Kay and Dave traveled to Japan twice, attended many Renaissance festivals, enjoyed summer concerts in the park, took numerous classes upon retirement, and spent countless hours volunteering and shooting skeet at The Grand Blanc Huntsman Club. Kay was very active with her sewing club, meeting twice a week even during cancer treatments to sew for the needy of the community. She loved attending her weekly Tai Chi classes with the circle of friends she made there. What Kay probably loved more than anything were her beloved “girls,” Chloe and Hannah—two of the most lovingly spoiled dogs in the state of Michigan.
Kay was preceded in death by her husband, David, her parents, Bernard and Sophie Pietrusinksi, and her sister, Donna. She will be missed by her nieces Loretta (Tony) Kekalos, Bernie (Steve) Sweetland, nephew Larry (Annette) Fortier, brother-in-law Ron Fortier, many great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, numerous friends, and a multitude of former students.
Visitation will be at Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 W Hill Rd, Flint at 11:30 on April 22, 2019 with a memorial service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Genesys Hurley Cancer Center or Adopt-A-Pet at 13575 N. Fenton Rd, Fenton, MI 48430.
Read MoreI would like to express my deepest sympathy. I worked with Kay for many years at Barhitte Elementary. She was a terrific teacher and a good friend. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Arlene Wolfling & Family
Arlene Wolfling
April 21, 2019 | Burton, MI | Friend
Mrs. Fortier was a special teacher for our son when she taught at Johnson Elementary school on Genesee Rd., one of the Bentley schools. She was very smart & gave our son the right boost to help him realize how precious learning was. He was pretty sharp, but he needed her to give him the right mental kick to make him realize he could do better. Told by her on his report card he was "incorrigible" he got so stirred up & from then on became an honor student. I thank her to this day for helping...
Larry & Sadonna Myers
April 19, 2019 | BURTON, MI
Such a wonderful 3rd Grade teacher at Johnson. I remember the first year she was there, and Mrs. Fortier was dearly loved by all her students.
April 18, 2019
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
RICH GLAZA
April 17, 2019 | BAY CITY, MI | Classmate
Joe was school friends with Kay and her husband Dave. We considered Kay a dear friend and we will miss her especially when the class reunion comes around......God's peace to the family and to all who are touched by her passing. Rest in Peace Kay!!
Joseph & Lana Thibeault
April 15, 2019 | Seligman, AZ | Classmate
I only just met Ms Kay. My heart goes out to her nieces and all loved ones. Prayers to everyone at this time.
Mayme O'Brien
April 15, 2019 | Burton, MI | Acquaintance
My condolences to Ms.Kay's family. Work at her home last Saturday(Comfort Keepers).
Rest in Peace Ms.Kay
Deborah Howard
April 11, 2019 | Grand Blanc, MI
I am so sorry to hear the passing if mrs. Fortier. She was my 4th grade teacher at Bentley. She was one of the teachers that help me get tho school. After graduation I would love to go up and still see her. She will b missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Krystal Hemingway
April 11, 2019 | Flint, MI
MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BRING YOU A MEASURE OF COMFORT. PLEASE READ PROV 17:17
CKT
April 11, 2019 | OH