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Kay Hay Obituary
January 10, 1945 - February 26, 2023
A memorial service for Kay will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 2:30 pm
in Heritage Hall at Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church
2902 W. Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL 33618.
Kay McConnell Hay passed away peacefully at age 78 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was born on January 10, 1945, to Dorothy and Strubbe McConnell in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She leaves behind her husband of 35 years, Peter Hay; siblings Ann and Carey McConnell; three children (Kevin Van Voorhis, Kerry Van Voorhis and Kim Clawson); and six grandchildren (Luke Van Voorhis, Sarah Van Voorhis, Nathan Clawson, Emery Van Voorhis, Dean Van Voorhis and Drew Clawson.)
Kay grew up boating, fishing, water skiing and collecting shells and arrowheads on the Tickfaw River and on the Gulf of Mexico with her family. She graduated from Louisiana State University with a master's degree in Home Economics. She and Ken Van Voorhis moved to Tampa in 1970 and raised three children there.
Kay had a passion for education and taught for 15 years in various roles including at Chamberlain High School (with Olga Barnes) and at Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church preschool. She also took great joy in teaching art and swimming to hundreds of children and more than a few adults at her home. Like her mother and grandmother, she was a gifted artist and loved painting beautiful landscapes.
A lifelong learner, Kay returned to school at the University of South Florida and received her MBA in 1984. It was then that she met and eventually married Peter Hay. She worked for many years in the injury rehabilitation field, helping injured people heal and successfully return to work. Kay ultimately established and operated her own rehabilitation company until retiring at age 55.
Kay was dedicated to her family and loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a faithful member of Lake Magdalene UMC for more than 50 years and led a Divorce Care ministry there for 15 years. She and Peter enjoyed traveling to places including Alaska, Europe, and Peru.
Kay was known for her creativity, kindness, optimism, work ethic and love for the Lord.
The family wants to particularly thank the wonderful staff at Arden Court of Tampa for the compassionate and skilled care they faithfully provided Kay throughout her illness.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to:
- Alzheimer's Association https://act.alz.org/
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Chrissy Levy
March 27, 2023
I will always remember Kay's sweet smile; the gentle, kind way about her. She soothed a lot of souls in her lifetime. I remember canoeing on their little lake with my Dad and a thunderstorm brewing--fun times! Every day that I go in to work, there she is in the beautiful painting she made for me when our son was born. May her memory be a blessing to all that knew and loved her. Our deepest condolences to all.
Michele Hixon
March 20, 2023
Kay was such an encouragement and inspiration. A dear friend when I went through divorce. I will always remember her. Sincere condolences to family
Andrew Karras
March 16, 2023
Growing up Kay was like my second mom. She will always have a very special place in my heart.
To the Van Voorhis family, may God provide comfort during this difficult time.
Andrew and Leslie Karras
Jean Block
March 14, 2023
The dearest of friends...we worked together and you took such great care of our clients. Personally, we spent many times together - memorable trip to the mountains and the dude ranch where we tried to learn how to ride a horse - we both failed. Vacations on the island with many good cooks in the family - I will choose to remember those special times and days. You have been such a trooper these last few years and now you are without pain and happy where you can sing with the angels. You are blessed with a wonderful family who love you dearly....as I do. Rest in peace, dear one.
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Bob McColgin
March 14, 2023
Kay and her family were our Southern cousins that we visited with every year. Kay helped me produce a video of the farm and was eloquent about telling family stories about growing up. My wife and I visited Kay and Peter several times and they were always gracious hosts. Wefound this pic from 2013 taken at the Tampa Zoo and it is one of our fond memories.
Cousins Bob & Alice McColgin
Kimberly Clawson
March 11, 2023
I miss you so much, mom. But I have the comfort of knowing I was by your side and I´ll see again some day. Until then, I have the most beautiful guardian Angel watching over me. I know you´re up there painting the skies for me and when I´m lost I´ll ask myself "What would KiKi do?" I know I´ll hear your voice guiding me through. I love you with all my heart and I´m comforted to know you are back in your perfect body with your beautiful mind and soul in tact. Fly high, mama. Tell Gigi hello and give everyone a hug for me. Until I see you again...
Emily Pena
March 8, 2023
Hay Kay are already missed dearly may you rest in peace I always look at your painting and saying wow Kay hay you are a great painter!!!! I love u Kay hay fly high sweetheart Peter is the best man you had!!!I will always have you in my heart.
Amanda Hill
March 7, 2023
I had the pleasure of meeting Kay at Arden Courts where she resided the past 5 years. She was a funny, loving and always had a smile on her face. She will be truly missed. My condolences to Peter and their family.
TW
March 6, 2023
My deepest condolences go out to all family and friends of Kay. May the God of all comfort, comfort you now and always.
Marcia Fuson
March 5, 2023
So many memories! The Louisiana cousins' excitement when it snowed for their Thanksgiving visit; Kay and Ann launching me and my dowdy hair into junior high with a terrific McConnell cut and style; you and Kay, Peter, welcoming my college roommate and me into your home when our spring break funds didn't last through Spring Break! Kay was a treasure.
Larry Cox
March 5, 2023
Even in her youth, Kay was a quite a dynamo and a true leader. We have many fond memories of her family's visits to Indiana for holidays, as well as our visits to Louisiana, including boating and fishing on the Tickfaw and Lake Ponchartrain. We have always appreciated our cousin's great spirit and generosity. Thank you Peter for all that you did for Kay, especially during these difficult final years.
Bill McColgin
March 4, 2023
As kids, we Indiana cousins always looked forward to visits from Kay and the McConnell family to our farm. In high school, I even got to visit them once in Florida and fish in the Gulf. Kay caught all the fish.
Kay, we miss you!
Johanna Russo
March 3, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss! She lived an extraordinary life and was a wonderful woman. Prayers for peace for all of you!
Gwyneth Bonasoro
March 3, 2023
I´m so very sorry for the loss of Kay. A beautiful life and a beautiful legacy lives on
Tricia Calmbacher
March 3, 2023
I first knew Kay when I was 13 and she was dating my brother, Ken.
I had recently lost my Father, and she was so kind and loving, and I thought of her as the " Sister" I never had. She remained a close friend, counselor and confidant. She was smart, organized, generous, and thoughtful.
I will miss her very much!
Valerie Marchesini
March 3, 2023
I cherish this wonderful picture you gave me and Frank. May you rest in peace.
Brian and Michelle Schultz
March 3, 2023
Kerry and family, I want to offer our deepest sympathies at this difficult time. I have very fond memories of Kay offering us snacks at the house and showing us Pete's tractor. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Karen Richardson
March 3, 2023
Kim and family, as the days pass, and you return to life's routine, may you always feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Charlene smith
March 2, 2023
I remember when I first met Kay she was very soft spoken n always always smiling she stole my heart I fell in love with her I will always be thinking of her I truly miss her
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