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Kathryn Hays Obituary
Kathryn Hays, known for playing the character of "Kim" on As The World Turns for 38 years - and for her portrayal of "Gem" in the original Star Trek episode "The Empath" - died Friday, March 25th in Fairfield, CT, at the age of 87. Her career also included Broadway productions of "Ladybug, Ladybug", "The Irregular Verb To Love' and "Hot September", summer stock productions of Showboat and Richard Roger's Two By Two, Follies at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Dames at Sea at the Papermill Playhouse, and playing Desiree in A Little Night Music at the Equity Library Theater in NYC, described by the New York Times as "just possibly the best musical in town". She made guest appearances on over 40 classic TV shows, from Dr Kildare to Law and Order. Born in Princeton, IL and raised in the midwest, she remained a good midwestern girl - but with a layer of "New Yorker "added on over the years. Think Donna Reed in It's A Wonderful Life, with a bit of Bette Davis thrown in for good measure. Her family and friends knew her as a source of love and laughter. Raucous laughter, much of the time, because she had a spot-on sense of humor. No one who was present will ever forget when she dressed up to play Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny. She was raised to value family and made sure that her parents, Daisy and Dick Gottlieb, were cared for as they aged. She worked hard to raise and educate her daughter, and to enrich the lives of her grandchildren. She leaves behind her daughter and son-in-law, Sherri and Bob Mancusi, three grandchildren, Kate, Cameron and Garrett Wells, plus her great-grandson Jack, who will be taught the lessons that she taught us. She loved music, her church and was nuts about dogs. Those wishing to honor her memory may contribute to: The Greater Bridgeport Symphony in Bridgeport, CT, The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Westport, CT or your favorite dog rescue organization. Private memorial services will be held following cremation. To sign her online guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathryn Hays
Sponsored by Lesko Funeral Home, Preplanning, and Cremation Services - Fairfield.
Brian J. Carnevale
August 17, 2025
I-have-lost-so-many-in-my-life!..I-am-in-my-60s-now
When-I-was-a-kid-in-the=70s-I-was=-glued-to-every-Star-Trek-episode...Today-I-watched-the-Empath-again-for-the-first-time-in-50-yeras!!..I-looked-her-up-and-now-here-I-am-in-tears-as-her-.,story-touched-me-deeply,bringing-back-every-loss!..They-carry-on-with-our-Memories-forever!--So-sorry-for-your-loss!.Know-that-she-will-never-be-forgotten!--RIP
ATWT Fan
July 20, 2025
Dear Kathryn, Your dear friend
Eileen Fulton will be joining you
shortly in Heavenly peace...
I miss the both of you more than I can express.
Sincerely,
Xanadu
March 31, 2025
The Empath is one of my favorite episodes in Star Trek. She was great at play Gem. I'm sorry to learn of her passing.
Theresa Marine
September 1, 2024
It was a pleasure caring for you during your last days! Now rest easy in the arms of God!
Beverly
August 20, 2022
I loved her as Gem on Star Trek. She was great at playing the character without saying a word.May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
longtime ATWT Fan
June 16, 2022
Started watching ATWT with my mom in the late 60's. Kathryn Hays was a beautiful woman and wonderful actress. She played Kim to a T. Her film presence will be forever remembered. RIP
Travis Stair
April 12, 2022
KATHRYN HAYS played Kim Hughes in AS THE WORLD TURNS for almost 40 Years. Kim is the character of all Soap Operas most people identified as someone they felt was part of the family. Her constant smile, her welcome nature and friendliness for all made Americans wish they knew Kim. Paragraphs are demanded, but to put it directly: She Will Be Missed. Rest In Peace Great Lady!
Lisa
April 11, 2022
My sincere condolences on the passing of a truly beautiful lady ! Ms. Hays invited me to her home overlooking Long Island Sound when we both were part of the GBS. We discussed music and I provided help in the pronunciation of Italian for a narration she was to give. Happy memories ! God Speed !
ATWT long time viewer
April 10, 2022
Thank you for wonderful performances. RIP
LV
April 10, 2022
RIP lovely lady, it´s time for you to be with our Lord
peg claydon
April 9, 2022
hi i watched her on tv
on my favoite soap on tv
she was a great actress
Patty Crossland
April 9, 2022
So sorry for your loss. She was such a beautiful lady and an outstanding actress. Prayers for the family during this time.
Jeff Antaya
April 9, 2022
She was beloved by so many ATWT fans as Kim Hughes. What a talent ! What a beauty! She was incredible. I´m so sorry for you her family, and close friends. I feel so fortunate to have seen her acting. Take care.
ATWT Fan
April 9, 2022
Prayers and sympathies to Kathryn's family, friends and everyone who loved her. To her family - I wish I could put into words what your mother's work meant to many of us. She had an onscreen presence that was special. I hope you are able to take some pride, joy or comfort from all of us. Best to you all.
Gwen Eagleton
April 9, 2022
Dear Sherri,
Your tribute captures Kathy's joy and dedication. You mother was an inspiration and delight and one of the strongest women I've ever known. I cherish the visits we had over the recent years, and what a small world that my husband had been on the crew for ATWT for a time. In our last visit in December, we listened to a recording of her singing in a live performance. Exquisite. I wish I could attend in person to meet you and more of her family. Much love to you all.
Curtis Gay
April 9, 2022
My prayers and condolences go out to Ms. Hays' family. She meant so much to us ATWT fans, and will be remembered forever #kiddo
Varnett king
April 9, 2022
What a great actress watch her on as the world turns from day one outstanding rip
Carolyn Hurd
April 9, 2022
So sad to hear this. She's such a beautiful lady. Loved watching her on AS THE WORLD TURNS. HER PLAYING KIM HUGHES WAS A GREAT PERSON AND LOVED THE STORY OF KIM AND BOB HUGHES YOUR GOING TO BE MISSED BY FAMILY AND FRIENDS R.I.P. KATHRYN HAYS.
JANICE HOM
April 9, 2022
Prayers to the family you have left behind
I was saddened when As The World Turns lights went out
RIP
Janice from San Diego
Dawn Foxworth
April 9, 2022
Heartfelt prayers for strength to all Mrs. Kathryn's family and friends.
Felita Moran
April 9, 2022
Many sympathies to the family - Kathryn was a beautiful woman inside and out.
Sheila Bos
April 9, 2022
Loved you at As the world turns. Found you a beautifull wonen!!
You will be missed..
Brenda Asberry
April 9, 2022
I always love the Bob , Kim storyline and how great of a actress she was. Rip Kathryn. Thoughts and pray go out to family and people who work with her and friends.
Russell K. Prodcis
April 8, 2022
My deepest condolences for such a sad loss. As a young boy, I watched this outstanding actress on As The World Turns. For many years I had a crush on this beautiful lady. So many wonderful memories. May this great lady rest in the light of our Lord. Thank you for all the years of outstanding acting. You made the world a better place.
Tina Harris
April 8, 2022
Lifting the family up in prayer always, and I know that loss of a love one is never easy I lost my mom a few months ago, and it still feels like an unreal dream...
Stephanie Lutz
April 8, 2022
My deepest condolences to Ms. Hays´ family. Though I never had the pleasure of meeting Kathryn personally I grew up with her character Kim on As the World Turns gracing the television every day. A character that would not be the same without the beauty and grace of Ms Hayes. She was the moral center of ATWT and beloved by all. Thank you for sharing her with us, she will be greatly missed.
Sandra Klaffenbach
April 8, 2022
I offer my condolences to Ms. Hays' family. I was lucky enough to meet Ms. Hays at her star presentation in Princeton a couple years ago. She was so gracious taking the time to talk to everyone and sign autographs and pose for pictures. We had driven in from St. Louis and she thanked us as we thanked her for her work. Such an honor to meet her, thanks for sharing her with us.
Lura Black
April 8, 2022
Kathyrn, you have been missed for a long time since ATWT went off the air. You added greatly to the success of that show and the desire to tune in everyday just to see what you might be up to. I cannot express how honored I was to speak on the phone with you a few years ago. I will look forward to seeing you in Heaven.
The Staff of Lesko-Polke Funeral Home
April 8, 2022
Offering our sympathies at this time.
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