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Kerry Labay Obituary
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Kerry graduated from Springfield High School and Stark State College, where her academic achievements laid the foundation for a career that would see her contribute significantly to NASA over six years. Known for her meticulous attention to detail, her name graces several NASA publications, a testament to her professional excellence.
Growing up, Kerry was an outstanding fastpitch softball player, showcasing her athletic talent on various travel teams. Her artistic flair was evident in her creation of graphics and presentations for election campaigns and websites, reflecting her diverse talents.
Her love for animals, particularly cats, was profound. Kerry cherished her pets, Monkey Woman, Gabe (who was blind), and his companion, Rusty, who acted as Gabe's seeing-eye cat. When she could no longer care for pets herself, she channeled her passion online, volunteering as "kelgarumo" for the TinyKittens Society in Fort Langley, British Columbia, Canada. There, she moderated livestreamed videos, becoming a beloved figure among the community for her compassion and dedication.
Kerry was preceded in death by her mother, Patricia Jane Labay, her grandparents John and Ruth Labay, Merit and Evelyn Heater, and her aunt Teresa Firth. She is survived by her father, John "Pat" Labay, her brother Jason Labay, and her aunts and uncles: Michael (Debra) Labay, Susie (the late Gary) Quintrell, Polly (Roger) Evans, Ruthie (Robert) Harris, and Janet (Michael) Miller.
Kerry's unexpected departure has left a void in the hearts of many. Her love, compassion, and contributions to both human and animal communities will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Calling Hours will be held from 4pm-7pm on Thursday, September 19th, 2024, at Dunn-Quigley Funeral Homes, 811 Grant St, Akron, OH 44311.
The Funeral Service will take place at 10:30am on Friday, September 20th, 2024, also at Dunn-Quigley Funeral Homes, followed by a Funeral Procession to Hillside Memorial Park, 1025 Canton Rd, Akron, OH 44312, for burial.
The family suggests donations to Kerry's passion: TinyKittens Society at https://tinykittens.com/donate in Kerry's memory, honoring her love for animals and her spirit of volunteerism.
May Kerry find eternal peace, surrounded by the love she so generously shared with the world.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dr Ru
September 19, 2024
Kerry helped me through the Covid years while I worked long nights. She was a warm and welcoming Mod at the Tiny Kittens community. She was witty, warm, and welcoming. Rest in Peace Kerry, we all miss you terribly and won´t forget you.
Mary (Harley & Shelby's Mom)
September 19, 2024
Like others here, I knew Kerry (kelgarumo, kel) through the TinyKittens stream. Kerry was quick with wit, compassionate, and always kept us informed. The TinyVillage misses you dearly Kerry!
My heartfelt condolences to Kerry's family & friends, may your memories of Kerry bring you comfort, and help your hearts heal with time. A donation to TinyKittens has been made to honor Kerry's memory.
Nancy Birmingham
September 18, 2024
I met Kerry/Kelgarumo through TK. She was always cheerful, sharing her compassion and wit. She had an uplifting effect on everyone. You will always be remembered as a most wonderful Mod by the entire TinyKittens Village, Kel. I am sending my deepest condolences to your family and friends. We are all missing you something fierce. A donation has been made to TinyKittens in Kerry´s memory. You are in our hearts. Nancy (aka Danburygal)
Lauri Burgess
September 18, 2024
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Kerry. I knew her as Kelgarumo, or Kel, in her role as a Mod at TinyKittens. We talked many, many times over the years. She was so welcoming to new viewers, and kept us old-timers in line when we were tempted to stray beyond the rules. Never doubt the impact that her presence had for all of us. A donation to TK has been made in her honour. She is greatly missed.
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Kellie Voshall
September 18, 2024
Kerry Labay, what an honor it was knowing you as kelgarumo in chat on TinyKittens. You were always so kind, caring and funny. Your passing has left a huge hole in the hearts of the Tiny Village. You will never be forgotten. I hope you knew how much you were loved by all who chatted with you.
To your family I send my heartfelt condolences and prayers for peace. Please know many, many people are mourning with you. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
Love, Kellie Voshall
S, Masback
September 18, 2024
I too knew Kerry (kelgarumo) through her skills as a moderator on the Tiny Kittens chat. What was clear to all of us was not only her love of the cats and kittens, but her kindness and fun with each of us who interacted with her in chat. She was a kind and funny presence and she is deeply missed.
My heartfelt condolences to all of her family and friends. May her memory bring warmth and smiles to you. A donation has been made to Tiny Kittens in her memory.
Anne-Marie Regish (TK chatter MorningChild67)
September 18, 2024
Kerry was an amazingly kind and wonderful moderator - I too know her from Tiny Kittens and I appreciated how she made me feel very welcome when I first joined the "Tiny Village"... her legacy will live on and she is already missed so very much! Deepest sympathies to her family and friends as well as everyone at TK who worked closely with her. Rest easy with Grampa Mason and the tiny kittens who crossed the bridge before you, Kerry - you will be in our hearts always...
TK chatter
September 18, 2024
I never met Kel personally but I knew her through TinyKittens. Kel was a wonderful mod. I will miss her snark, her love of tacos and most of all, her love of kitties. Rest well Kerry.
Terri L
September 18, 2024
I am very sorry for your loss. I k ew Kerry through her work as a moderator for Tiny Kittens. I usually observe rather than chat. Kerry´s attitude and attention to the people she was chatting with was kind, truthful and welcoming. She inspired me to be a better at my interactions with others. It is always the right choice to be empathetic and kind. Thank you Kerry for always showing us that. Thank you to her family and friends for sharing her with us. Her life mattered, and I will remember her.
Michele T.
September 18, 2024
My deepest condolences to Kerry's family and friends as well as the TK Community at large. Her compassion and advocacy will always be remembered, as will her legacy. RIP Kerry - may your memory be a blessing.
Terry Deason (stitchacat)
September 17, 2024
I knew Kel through TinyKittens. She was an awesome mod and was always so kind and helpful. Our community is devastated by her loss. My deepest condolences to her friends and family. We already miss her terribly.
Amy Buxton
September 17, 2024
People sometimes wonder how you can have online friends you never meet - but TinyKittens is a true community - we care about one another hand in hand with our passion and support for cats and kittens everywhere. Kerry was no exception. The whole of the TinyVillage mourns her loss. Thank you for sharing her with us!
Jody Waldo (CatWhispurrer on TK stream)
September 17, 2024
I knew Kerry (kelgarumo), through TinyKittens' livestream. She was an iconic presence there to people from around the world. She was an endearing person who wielded a moderator's "blue wrench" with wisdom, aplomb & skill, while making us feel welcomed & accepted. Her love of animals & TinyKittens' mission shone like a beacon to all lucky enough to encounter her. To all of Kerry's family and friends who knew and loved her, I send my heartfelt sympathies, and many virtual hugs. A donation has been made to TK in her memory.
Jennifer Waters
September 17, 2024
Her great moderating for Tinykittens will be missed. I suspect it truly showed her personality. My deepest sympathies to her family and friends
Shane H
September 17, 2024
Kelgarumo (Kerry) was a wonderful "mod" that I grew fond of through the TinyKittens chat. She was kind to all and will be so deeply missed in our Tiny Village. Sending healing thoughts and prayers to her family, and friends. RIP Kel
Carol savoie
September 17, 2024
Her enormous kindness toward the concerns of others who loved her as the best Mod at tiny kittens
Sonya McCarthy
September 17, 2024
My heartfelt condolences to Kelgarumo´s family and friends.
Sonya McCarthy (aka CatFun), a Tiny Kittens fan of hers
Tiny Kittens Chatter
September 17, 2024
We miss you Kel! You were a wonderful moderator and made everyone's early mornings and late nights full of happiness. You were a great relief to chatters who were going through similar struggles. I can't even begin to imagine what kind of wonderful impact you had on people in your offline life. I hope you enjoy pressing the kitten button on the rainbow bridge, and taking care of all the cats that come your and Mason's way. To our favorite taco loving mod <3
Heather Joones
September 17, 2024
Thank you Kelgarumo for your endless patience and humour on the TK livestreams. You were a remarkable mod and will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed. Thank you, from Canada
Jackie M.
September 17, 2024
Kelgarumo (Kerry) was a lovely person that I got to know through Tiny Kittens. Her compassion was evident always. Deepest condolences to her family, and friends.
Margaret Toner
September 17, 2024
I will remember her dedication and the time she devoted to help TinyKittens be able to help so many, and information to viewers and chatters to spread awareness and compassion. A donation was sent in Kelgarumo's memory. My sincere condolences.
Dunn-Quigley Funeral Homes
September 17, 2024
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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