A Letter From Kay

This is one of the places I never wanted my name to appear…the Obituary, but here I am, which means you will no longer see me. We can't hug or laugh or do any of the things we once did…but make no mistake…I've not gone far.

So don't speak of me sadly. Laugh as we laughed. Tell the funny stories we shared and remember the good times we had together. If I was privileged to know you, then our lives mean everything they ever meant.

Don't grieve for me… I have had an amazing life. I was born in Lakeland, Florida during hard times…1938. I grew up in a close knit family on a strawberry farm. We worked hard to make ends meet and the hard work inspired me to better my life and give back to the country I was blessed to live in… and I did that for 23 years as I owned Kay's Kiddie Kollege. What a rewarding experience it was, to influence those little lives…perhaps yours was one of those lives.

Later in life, I wanted to travel and help others to share the adventure, so I changed my profession and opened Kays Tour and Cruise, a travel agency. What a fun profession! I loved the business and my years as a tour guide allowed me to travel to places and do things I had only dreamed of.

During my (too short) life, I have loved and been loved. I raised three amazing children, Clay LaVoie, Ranee Buszko, and Landi LaVoie. I was even privileged to know grandchildren, Tia Brannon and Shawna Cooper, and great grandchildren, Bronson and Lily. My beautiful family, is my legacy and I couldn't be prouder of them.

I was also privileged, to finally get it right and marry a wonderful man, Ovidiu…and with that union, life came together and I knew happiness I had never known.

Some of you may not know, or care, who Kay Harrelson was, but if I was privileged enough to know you, I know you blessed my life. Whatever we shared, I hope you keep it in your heart…for as long as you remember me, I live…and my life has meaning. It's been a great life…and I wouldn't change a thing!

I will have my final travel party (funeral) on Saturday, August 6, 2016 , at 10 o'clock, at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home…and you are invited! I will rest beside my mother in Citra Cemetery, Citra, Florida.

Travel arrangements provided by, GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 South US Hwy 441, Lake City, Florida. 32025. (386) 752-1954. Online at www.gatewayforestlawn.com