Mrs. Catherine "Kay" Piemonte

SALEM- Mrs. Catherine "Kay" (Kirchmier) Piemonte died peacefully on April 5, 2013 at her home in Salem, Massachusetts at the age of 84. Raised in Burkeville, Virginia and a graduate of Hanover College in Indiana and Salem State University, Kay taught in Nokesville, VA, Harwinton, CT and was the librarian at Salem High School. As a committed genealogist and chronicler, Kay was dedicated to preserving history and sharing knowledge. She was a devoted member of Tabernacle Church where she organized the church's historical collection and built a church archive. She compiled and edited Salem's Church with the Lighted Steeple, a history of Tabernacle Congregational Church from 1735 to 2007, and in 2012 co-organized the bicentennial celebration of America's first foreign missionaries who left Salem for India in 1812. As an active member of the Essex Society of Genealogists, Kay taught classes on genealogical research at many venues, including the Explorers Lifelong Learning Institute linked to Salem State University. She also served on the Institute's executive board and was a member of the curriculum committee. Because of her contributions to the Explorers, she was awarded the Explorer of the Year Award. One of her avid interests and expertise was evident in her beautiful quilts. Kay was a prolific quilter and her works have been shared with her friends, reflecting her love of giving. Many of Kay's quilts may also be found at Tabernacle Church. Kay was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and was humorously referred to as "Perpetual Motion Kay". She is survived by Joseph Piemonte, her beloved husband of 59 years, six children, eight grandchildren and two brothers. She also leaves scores of devoted friends and admirers. ARRANGEMENTS: A memorial celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, April 20th at 3 pm in the Tabernacle Congregational Church, 50 Washington Street, Salem. Relatives and friends invited. Assisting the family with the arrangements is The O'Donnell Funeral Home 46 Washington Sq., (At Salem Common) Salem. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Tabernacle Congregational Church UCC, 50 Washington Street, Salem, MA 01970.