Katherine "Kay" McCarty

Katherine "Kay" Marie McCarty (nee Gresock) passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 17, 2021. Kay was born on September 8th in a year that she never liked to say, keeping her children in the dark for decades as to her exact age. She grew up in Firestone Park, and then after marrying eventually settled in West Akron. Kay graduated from St. Vincent High School, putting off further schooling until later in life. She married John Richard "Dick" McCarty on May 24, 1952, and they shared an extremely loving and happy marriage for almost 50 years (one month shy). Dick's sudden passing on April 18, 2002 affected her deeply, but she maintained a brave face and kept busy with her faith, family and friends. Kay was an extremely active member of St. Sebastian's Church in Akron. She was a founding member of the Christ Child Society, and sang in the choir for many years. After raising her children, Kay went back to school, attending the University of Akron.

Kay is preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Katherine Gresock, her sister Helen McElwain (James), her beloved husband Dick, her brothers-in-law Robert McCarty and Donald Gross, her niece Patricia and her grand-nephew Nick Gross. She is survived by her sister Dorothy Gross, and sister-in-law Barbara. Despite her many achievements, Kay always acknowledged that her most important roles in life were those of mother and grandmother. Kay is survived by her seven children, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her children and their families are listed in order of birth: James, grandsons Kyle and Bret, their mother, Suzanne; son Thomas (Alison) granddaughters Grace and Eve; daughter Maureen Slone (Craig) granddaughter Kelly; step-granddaughter Holly Slone, step-grandchildren Tucker, Devri and Harlen; son John (Marianne) grandsons Jack (Irma) Andrew, Brian (Jennifer) and Colin; son Robert (Susan) grandchildren Colleen, Caroline and Kevin; son Richard (Maureen) grandchildren Rory, Michael, Hope Schneider (Justin) great-grandchildren Stella, Mackey, Isla and baby to come, Jacqueline Cook (Connor) great-granddaughter Cameron, grandchildren Katherine, John, Samuel and Marielle; and son David (Felicity Hillmer). Kay also leaves a host of nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

Kay had an infectious laugh, almost a giggle. She never sought attention for herself; rather she took immense pride in the accomplishments of her family. It didn't matter what event occurred, whether a sporting match, track or swim meet, choral or dance concert, school play, or basket raffle for the church, Kay was there, cheering the kids on. To say that Kay was a devout woman does not do the word justice. She loved her family fiercely, and her God even more. Her family is comforted with the knowledge that right now she is basking in the glory of her Savior in heaven, where her one true love, her husband Dick, has been waiting for nineteen years and a day to greet her with open arms.

Calling hours will be Sunday, April 25, 2021 from 2-4 pm at Hummel Funeral Home, 3475 Copley Road, Copley, and a Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Sebastian Church, 476 Mull Avenue, Akron, Monday, April 26, 2021 at 11:00 am.

The service will be available to watch as a live stream from the St. Sebastian website, www.stsebastian.org.
To view livestream of funeral mass click here