Marianne Kay

KAY, Marianne
Marianne, a loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, left her earthly home to be with the Lord on February 1, 2005, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born January 11, 1957 in Sacramento to Elizabeth and Samuel W. Kay II. The family moved to Fresno in 1961, Marianne's love of knowledge began at St. Therese School where she graduated as Valedictorian. She graduated from San Joaquin Memorial High School in 1975. She went on to receive her AA from Fresno City College in 1977, Bachelors in 1979 Magna Cum Laude, and Masters degree in 1981, Suma Cum Laude, from CSUF. Her career included Professor of Psychology at CSUF, California School of Psychology, Fresno County Department of Health Services, and the California Department of Corrections and Parole. She moved to Galt in 1990 and worked in the Parole Office Headquarters in Sacramento as an important figure in the development of substance abuse programs in the State, and later worked at Mule Creek State Prison in Ione as a Correctional Counselor II, where she was instrumental in the development of many new prison programs, including Gangs Anonymous. Marianne loved people and the opportunity for works of public service. She volunteered countless hours with the Mental Health Association of Fresno County, Firehouse Drug Abuse Center, Victim Offender Reconciliation Program, and many workshops for community organizations. She was nominated Volunteer of the Year and received a special commendation by Mayor Dan Whitehurst. She was honored with many awards for her service, support, and guidance by the Mule Creek Military Support Group, S.T.O.P., and from the Director the Department of Corrections. Marianne was a member of the California Parole, Probation, and Correctional Association, Correctional Education Association, Forensic Mental Health Association of California and National Association for female executives. She was also a reiki master, certified hypnotherapist, and tai chi instructor. Marianne had a warm and generous heart and always saw the best in others. She loved cats, flowers, reading, knitting, writing, traveling, philosophy and nature. Keeping in touch with family and friends was a joy for her. Marianne was preceded in death by her father, Samuel W. Kay II, and brother, Samuel W. Kay III. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Nicole and Mark Fox; and son, Morgan Merritt, all of Sacramento. She is also survived by her mother, Elizabeth Kay; sister, Catherine Kay; niece, Vanessa Photopolous and son, Brennen Guerra; niece, Lisanne Scharton; aunt, Mary Arbuckle; cousin, Christine Arbuckle and daughter, Katie, all of Fresno; along with extended family and many close friends throughout the country who will miss her greatly. Visitation will be held Friday, February 4, 2005 from 3-7pm at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Chapel, Fresno. Recitation of the Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, February 5, 2005 at 9:00am at The Shrine of St. Therese Catholic Church, Fresno. Interment will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery. The family wishes to express appreciation to the wonderful staff of Hinds Hospice for their loving care. Donations in Marianne's name may be made to Hinds Hospice of Fresno, 1616 W. Shaw, Suite C-1, Fresno, CA 93711