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BORN
1927
DIED
2018
Kay Abe Obituary
"Kay" Aiko Abe was born on May 9, 1927 in Selleck, WA to Buichi & Kotoyo Yoshihara, the 2nd of 8 children, and went to be with her Lord on June 26, 2018 at age 91. She had a life-long, personal relationship with Christ, which permeated every aspect of her life. She faithfully served others until the very end and was an inspiration to many and was much beloved.
Kay's family moved to Beaverton, OR to start a strawberry farm when WWII broke out. They were sent to an internment camp in Minidoka, ID for the next 3.5 years where Kay graduated from Minidoka Hunt HS. After the war, her family returned to the Seattle area and Kay worked in a variety of jobs. She married Arthur Abe in 1954, and they raised 4 children in their Beacon Hill home. Kay retired from the federal government in 1987 after serving for 26 years, her latest at the VA Hospital.
After retiring, Kay and Art cared for Art's mother for 3 years at their 2nd home in Brinnon, WA on Hood Canal. They returned to Seattle and split their time between the 2 homes. Kay loved working in their large yard, caring for all the beautiful flowers and harvesting fruit and vegetables from Art's garden.
Hero to the homeless - Kay began feeding the homeless in 1991 and a few years later she assumed responsibility over The Lord's Table, coordinating the evening meals as many churches and individuals volunteered to help. She and the volunteers served hot meals outdoors 4 nights a week, impacting the lives of hundreds with a good meal and compassionate expressions of God's love. Kay loved all the volunteers and said they were chosen and sent by God. She received many honors over those 27 years, including the Jefferson Award, but the only reward she wanted was the approval from her Lord Jesus.
Kay was married to Art for 61 years before his death in 2015. She is survived by her children Carolyn (Robert) Ling, Michael Abe, Janet (Steve) Lee, & Norman Abe; Grandchildren Garrett & Allison Lee, Melissa (Andrew) Rinard, & Bethany Ling; Great-grandson Nathaniel Rinard. Kay was sister to Bob (Yae-deceased) Yoshihara, Amy (Genshyo) Ambo, Takeshi (Elva) Yoshihara, George-deceased (Yuriko) Yoshihara, Florence (George) Fujiwara, Paul-deceased (Laura) Yoshihara, John (Karen) Yoshihara, & was Auntie Kay to numerous nieces, nephews, & friends. She maintained lifelong relationships with former foster children Ann Soucier, Sally Caldwell, Amy Yamamoto, and John Hisamoto-deceased.
Per Kay's wishes, no funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider volunteering to help those in need or making a donation to Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, 2053 152nd Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052, or to another charity of your choice.
In remembrance:
youtu.be/KF8W1cWsGs4
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kay Abe
Sponsored by The Family.
3 Entries
Sarah Yoshihara
May 13, 2019
Auntie Kay, Was my Father Paul's older sister and when I was born my parents named me Sarah Kaylynn in honor of Kay's name! I was so grateful to be Abel to stay with her whail I was going through some hard financial times she and I enjoyed gardening, cooking dinner and feeding the homeless togher one night we were talking on the couch and I asked her if I could give her a foot rub? She replied yes I have never had one before I was very supprised! She really appreciated it and I will always treasure our moments together. I pray with Gods help to reach out to my local community though our family Farm and help feed those in need.
It really is better to give than receive may we always remember that. I love and miss you so much ! Love your nice Sarah Kaylynn Yoshihara
You will be missed forever!
Amiga Debbie
July 12, 2018
Mama Kae, you are an inspiration to me, the hero to many homeless, and God's new angel. I still come up to your ankle as I always say to you when I volunteered during your weeknight serves in 2015. I sure enjoyed seeing you, your family and friends who volunteered with you. I will remember you as the kindest and most compassionate woman who gave every Monday to Thursday from 8pm to 9pm to make a difference in many folks' lives. You will be missed forever! May you rest in peace. <3
Karen Sakagami
July 11, 2018
Now you sit at the Lord's table. Truly one of his most Faithful Servants. Eternal peace .Heartfelt sympathy to the family, your mother was an angel on Earth.
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