Kay Liptak
Kathryn R. Liptak passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on April 1, 2011. She was 79.
Kay was born on July 21, 1931 to Mary (Moore) and Phil Burre in South Ozone Park, Queens, N.Y. She has been married to her beloved husband, John, for 57 years. She is survived by her three children; Ruthanne, (Bart) Worden, John “Jack” Liptak (Naylet), and Allison (Mark) Dennis, and her grandchildren Gary, Jeff, Mark II, Breanna and Johnny. Kay is predeceased by her sister Eileen (Bohner) and brother Dave (Burre). She will be greatly missed by her dear and loving, extended family, and many, many dear new and longstanding friends.
Kay attended St. Elizabeth’s College in Morristown New Jersey. She received her Master’s in Education from Forham University in the Bronx and later in life an Advanced Master’s at Rhode Island College. John’s work took the family to a variety of locals to live in New York, Georgia, New Jersey and Rhode Island.
Kay approached each move with anticipation for the new opportunities and relationships it offered. She was a dedicated teacher for many years; teaching middle and high school students history and reading. She held a number of positions related to furthering literacy including Right to Read Director, and President of the Northern Rhode Island Reading Teacher’s Association. She wrote a number of grants to further literacy while a teacher for many years in the Burrilleville, Rhode Island School District.
Late in her career, Kay became a guidance counselor in the Senior High School there. Kay loved working in Burrilleville, and was truly dedicated to her students and colleagues there.
John and Kathryn met on a beach in Riverhead, Long Island. They were always “beach people,” enjoying Daytona, Island Beach State Park (N.J.) and Rhode Island beaches. They have loved their home on Sanibel Island, where they lived for 15 years.
Kay is a communicant at St. Isabelle’s Church here, where she has been a Eucharistic Minister, Lector and member of the Women’s Guild. Her strong faith has inspired and sustained her throughout her life.
Kay had many loves and interests. She was a great lover of animals and had many pets including dogs, one whom had 11 puppies, cats, rabbits, hampsters, guinea pigs, turtles and fish. She loved gardening and most recently raised orchids. She was a wonderful cook, and loved to read. In her earlier years, Kay played the accordion.
Always thoughtful and caring of others, Kay was most passionate about her family and friends. She has a beloved group of childhood and college friends with whom she has visited, traveled the world, and shared life’s joys and challenges all these years. She has been a cherished wife and adored by her children and grandchildren.
The outpouring of love and support from family and friends during her illness has been affirming of her generosity of spirit and connection to others.
In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests donations be made on her behalf to the College of St. Elizabeth Scholarship Fund, CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife) on Sanibel or the American Kidney Fund www.kidneyfund.org.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday at Saint Isabel Catholic Church on Sanibel. Interment followed at Lee Memorial Park