Kay Ostrom's Obituary
Kay (Henrykay Peete) Ostrom, age 77, passed away peacefully in her home on August 18, 2020 from pancreatic cancer.
Kay was born on February 26, 1943 in Sylacauga, AL to Henry and Louise (Lucas) Peete who were both educators. They lived in Alabama until 1954 when they moved to Miami, FL. It was in 6th grade when Kay Peete and Gary Ostrom met. They continued to stay in touch through college. Kay graduated from Blue Mountain College in 1965 with a degree in education and was then accepted into the Peace Corp where she spent two years in Morocco from 1965-1967. They were engaged in October 1967 months before Gary was given orders by the U.S. Army Signal Corp to serve in Vietnam for the year of 1968.
Kay and Gary were married on February 14, 1969 in Miami, Florida. They lived in Miami until 1973 when Gary accepted a position at the Philadelphia Inquirer. In 1976, the family moved to Muskegon, Michigan when Gary began working at the Muskegon Chronicle.
Kay was a woman of deep faith and was actively involved in her church, First Presbyterian. She contributed leadership as a deacon, Sarah’s Circle, teaching Sunday School, and loved to share one of her life long passions of singing as a member of the church choir and as a soloist. Kay also received an honorary life membership to Presbyterian Women.
Kay worked as an educator for 25 years, including 13 years for Parent Child Workshop in the Orchard View Public Schools followed by 12 years as a guest teacher in the greater Muskegon area. She was a lifelong teacher, learner, and active reader. Even when feeling unwell Kay looked for opportunities to pass along wisdom and gain new knowledge. People sought her out for counsel because of her experiences and her way of communicating with others.
She was intuitive, and thoughtful. One of the most important things during her final months was to spend time with family and connect with those she loved, to use her energy for a phone call or a thank you note. Kay was known to write a thank you note for receiving a thank you note.
Over the years Kay and Gary established deep roots in the community that they loved so much. Kay was actively involved in the Delta Kappa Gamma Teachers Society including holding a state office, Blue Mountain College Alumni Association, Kids Food Basket, Peace Corps Alumni, GVSU Interfaith Dialogue, Muskegon County Cooperating Churches, Friends of Art and the Second Century Legacy Society at the Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon Heritage Association, Frauenthal Center, Friends of Hackley Public Library, Muskegon Red Cross Board of Directors, Greater Muskegon Women’s Club and was a receiver of the Women of Accomplishment Award, United Way of the Lakeshore, Westshore Symphony, and American Association of University Women for Gender Equity, among many others.
Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Ostrom after 47 wonderful years of marriage. She is survived by her daughter Carol (Matthew) Moore, of Norton Shores; son Clay W. (Lisa Pahl) Ostrom and grandson Miles Pahl Ostrom of Los Angeles; brother, Bill (Gloria) Peete of Lincolnton, NC; nephew David (Lisa) Peete and great-niece Sydney along with many beloved extended family members.
Kay and family are so grateful for the excellent care she received from Harbor Hospice. And as a final act of giving, Kay decided to participate in the University of Michigan Anatomical Donation Program.
The Memorial Visitation with take place September, 11th from 5-7PM under the south portico at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services 6291 S. Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100. Kay’s Memorial Services will be September 12th at 11AM with Rev. Jim Rausch officiating also under the south portico at The Lee Chapel.
Social distancing and masks are required at both the visitation and service per the family’s request.
Please note if you are uncomfortable attending the service, we encourage you to instead view the recording of the service that will be made available afterwards on Kay’s Tribute Page on the funeral home website.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to First Presbyterian Church of Muskegon, United Way of the Lakeshore and Harbor Hospice.
Share memories with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Kay?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kay?
Share a story where Kay's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kay you’ll never forget.
How did Kay make you smile?