Kay Marie Darcy's Obituary
Kay Marie (VanderLaan) Darcy, 82, beloved wife, devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, cherished sister, aunt and friend, passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of strength, love and resilience. Despite battling numerous cancers the past 40 plus years, she faced every challenge with unwavering determination and courage. Kay was born March 12, 1942 to Dorothy and Bernard VanderLaan. She was raised in Ravenna, Michigan, attending Bixby School, and then St. Catherine’s when it was built. She graduated from Ravenna High School in 1960. While in high school she was active in many clubs and was on the Queen’s court her senior year. Kay married in January, 1961 and to this union she had four children; Steven, Barbara, Timothy and Rhonda. They moved from Ravenna and opened a restaurant in Tucumcari, NM and then one in Morton, TX, finally settling in El Paso, TX. While there she worked for the Hoover Company becoming District Manager. She earned many awards and was the first woman in Hoover history to achieve Top National Sales Person. During her career at Hoover she was inducted in the Hoover Hall of Fame. After retiring from Hoover she worked at Daw’s Home Furnishings in El Paso. Kay traveled to Germany, Netherlands, France and Mexico and around many states. Kay volunteered for St. Vincent DePaul Society and the American Cancer Society. She was a member of the Las Cruces Breast Cancer Support Group and provided emotional support for those touched by breast cancer. She was active in Senior Circle, Bunco Club and Mexican Train Club and enjoyed entertaining, gardening, playing cards and computer games. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and attended their activities whenever she could. Kay was lucky to find “love” the second time around. She married Gary Darcy, December 26, 1992. They attended high school together and they got reacquainted just before their 30 year class reunion. They have had 33 wonderful years together. Kay is survived by her husband Gary; her son Steven Kass of Texas City, TX and his children Gabrial (Carrie) Mendoza, Steven Jr, Addison and Micky Kass; daughter Barbara (Tracy)(Brown) Shelby of Morton, TX; Timothy Kass of Las Cruces, NM and his children Timothy John (Brenda), Michelle and Matthew; daughter Rhonda Kass of Bowling Green, OH and her children Patrick Iffland, Courtney (Jeff) Hammond, Nora Brogan and McKenna Brogan. Great-grandchildren – Ethen, Devon and Jayden Mendoza, Hailey, Kimberly & Ian Kass and Great-great-grandson Kaius Jay Mendoza; brother Jim (Janet) VanderLaan of Ravenna, MI, sister Mary Ann (Mike) Sierz of Douglas, WY and many nieces, nephews, cousins and her beloved dog Murphy. Kay was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents and son-in-law Dennis Brown. Memorials can be made in honor of Kay to the American Cancer Society or St. Vincent DePaul Society. The Funeral Mass for Kay will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, July 6, 2024 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church with the Rosary prayed at 10:30 AM. Share memories with the family by signing their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Ravenna Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 3570 Thomas St., Ravenna, MI 49451 (231) 853-6511
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