Mary Kathlyn "Kay" Marquardt, age 90, of Quincy, died Friday, March 24, 2017, at 10:23 pm in her home.
Kay was born on March 20, 1927 in Clifton, Arizona, the daughter of Edward S. and Mary Tomp. She married Alfred G. Marquardt on September 16, 1946 in Palmyra, Missouri. He preceded her in death on July 23, 2000.
Kay grew up in Clifton, Arizona with her mother, a brother Edward Jr. and sister Ida. Upon graduation from Clifton High School, she moved to San Francisco to attend nursing school at Franklin Hospital. After a year in nursing school, at the age of 19, she made the decision to move to Quincy Illinois with a friend, to attend Gem City Business School. She received her associate business degree.
Kay started working at Moorman's manufacturing as an executive secretary and was there for 9 years. She left Moorman's to begin her family. She had 2 daughters, Tara Kathlyn, and Tammy Kay. After staying home for a time, she went back to work as a court reporter with the Adams County Coroner's office. She was there for over 50 years. Her final job before retiring, was as a sales associate for Kemner's Ethan Allen furniture. She loved the furniture and design business.
Kay spent time traveling around the country, visiting family on the East and West coasts, returning to her home state of Arizona, and spending much time in Dallas, Texas. She was devoted to her grandchildren, attending every graduation, wedding and as many birthdays as was possible.
She enjoyed being a member of the "Waterbugs Aerobics" where she participated in activities each week, she was an avid NFL fan, watching every game she could, with a special love for the Dallas Cowboys. Kay was also a very giving individual and very supportive of any and all charitable organizations.
Survivors include a daughter, Tara (Jeff) Powers of Cedar Hill, TX; five grandchildren, Katie (Justin) McClure Massimo of Titusville, NJ, Steven McClure of Springfield, IL, Matthew McClure of Titusville, NJ, Melissa Powers of Dallas, TX, and Alex Powers of Dallas, TX; a great-granddaughter, Charlotte Massimo; a sister, Ida Vukovich of Tucson, AZ; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Alfred, Kay was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Tammy K. McClure.
Memorial Service: 3:00 pm on Saturday, April 8, 2017 in the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home, with the Rev. Patrick Smith officiating.
Visitation: 2:00 to 3:00 pm on Saturday April 8, 2017 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home
Memorials: LUNGevity Foundation (Lung Cancer Charity)
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
Melinda Moore wrote on Jun 30, 2017:
"Tara, I am so sorry to read of your mom's passing. Sending deepest heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. She was a beautiful person and I know you will miss her deeply. She was a wonderful role model to your family and your friends growing up. Peace be with you."
Rita Wilson wrote on May 7, 2017:
"I'm so very sorry as I was not aware of Kay's death. She was a dear friend for 50+ years. Condolences extended to her family and many friends. She will always have a special place in my heart and will be sorely missed.
Rita Wilson and family."
Don Gnuse wrote on Apr 9, 2017:
"I always admired Kay as she was very faithful in bringing her two daughters to Sunday School and Church services at St. John's at 7th and Hampshire. In recent years I visited with Kay from time to time and regret I was unable to make her funeral yesterday. May the Lord Bless and keep her . Don"
Diane Baker Moulton wrote on Apr 2, 2017:
"My deepest sympathy, Tara. My mom told me that she worked with your mom at Moorman's. I did not know that.
I am so sorry for your loss.
r"
norman KEMNER wrote on Apr 2, 2017:
"Norman Kemner sayes:
April 2, 2017, Kay was an inspiration to everyone she met. Her friendship to my family will live forever and even though it may be many years before we will meet again I look forward to the time when she welcomes us home. It was a shock to learn of her passing. I will miss her very, very much. Our deepest sympathy to Tara... your Mother met a lot to each of us as she was the "face of our home furnishings store.""
Janie Baucom wrote on Apr 2, 2017:
"Kay you were a angel in my young years to me. Many lunches in the summer was at your glass kitchen table. You and Al always made me feel welcome. Many of my memories on Brennan Drive were with Tara & Tammy playing at your home. Watching you put up sweet corn was so amazing in my little world.The love of bobo the boxer still comes to mind often , my son Josh has two boxers. All the camping in your front yard, and after we were asleep Al would bring us in to the living room . Though the years you were always interested in hearing and seeing my kids . Thank you Kay for all your love you gave to me .I know you are with Tammy and Al smiling down on us. Love Janie"
Joan Foster wrote on Mar 30, 2017:
"So sorry to hear about Kay's passing. She was a lovely and sweet lady. Growing up next door to the Marquardts, I've known her for 50 years. In the past couple of decades, we always tried to visit with her whenever back visiting my parents. I was sorry if I missed her if she was out of town, because she was always interested in what you were doing and sharing what her family was up to and just plain interesting. I'll miss those chats. She was just so full of life and a wonderful person.
Condolences to Tara and the rest of the family."
Tara powers wrote on Mar 28, 2017:
"Rest In Peace my dear sweet loving mother. You will be missed more than you could ever imagine. I know you are at peace, happy and with Tammy. Love and miss u. Tara"
Pat Knuffman wrote on Mar 27, 2017:
"Kay was a wonderful and giving person, she never met a stranger. I met Kay thru the waterbugs,and she quickly made me feel welcome. We will miss her, she took care of our monthly luncheons, made pies and treats for all, and always remembered everyone's name. She became my friend quickly and always asked about everyones family. She was very outgoing and Kay miles and myself visited her home. I will miss her phone calls when something would come up and I would miss class, you knew she would call and ask if everything was all right and if she could help. She is in my prayers. Peace be with her!"