Nancy Kay Redfern

Nancy Kay Redfern, 93, of Bowie, Maryland, passed away peacefully at home on February 28, 2026. Born on December 2, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois, Nancy lived a life defined by devotion to family, intellectual curiosity, adventure, and enduring love.

Nancy, lovingly known as “Kay” to family and friends, was the cherished daughter of John Kaiser and Ona Kaiser and the beloved sister of John Kaiser and Carl Kaiser, all of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her devoted husband, Robert Earl Redfern, Sr., her partner in travel, family gatherings, and life’s many adventures.

Kay is survived by her loving children: Robert Redfern, Jr.; John Redfern; David Redfern, Sr. (Joelma); and Judy DeSavage (Kenneth). She was a proud and deeply devoted grandmother to Chrissy Andrews (Terry), Sara DeSavage (Jason Cross), Melissa DeSavage (Chris Tork), David Redfern, Jr., Nicholas Redfern, Gabriella Redfern, Troy Boss, Shaun Boss, and Brian Spates (Demi Morris). She was preceded in death by her beloved grandchild, Wren Spates (Rye Romero).

Her joy multiplied with the arrival of her five great-grandchildren: Marivella DeSavage, Harper Cross, Aria Cross, Rory Andrews, and Carrick Andrews, each of whom brought her immeasurable pride and happiness.

From a young age, Kay held a deep love for the medical field and once dreamed of becoming a doctor. Though she chose to place her family first, her passion never faded. She dedicated more than 20 years to working as a medical transcriptionist at Doctor’s Hospital, where her sharp mind and attention to detail served both physicians and patients well. Her interest in medicine continued throughout her life, especially through her love of reading books on history and medical mysteries.

Kay was an avid reader, a thoughtful researcher of family history and genealogy, and a gifted quilter. She created beautiful quilts — each stitch a quiet expression of love — for family and friends who will treasure them always.

Her home on the river was the heart of countless cherished memories. It was a gathering place filled with laughter, boating adventures, crabbing excursions, and unforgettable crab feasts. Kay loved hosting and feeding the people she loved most. The table was always full, and so were the conversations.

Together, Kay and her husband Bob traveled the country in their camper, exploring the West, Alaska, New England, and many places in between. They created a lifetime of memories on the open road.

She was a devoted country music fan, often asking Alexa to “play George Strait,” and she loved attending country concerts and festivals with her daughter Judy during the 1980s and 1990s. You could often find Kay playing dominoes — especially with her son John — and when she won, everyone knew it. She would proudly call out, “Bingo!”

Kay had a playful spirit and a signature farewell: “See you later, alligator,” to which you were expected to reply, “After while, crocodile.” It was a small exchange, but one that perfectly captured her warmth, humor, and love of connection.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at Robert Evans Funeral Home, 16000 Annapolis Road, Bowie, Maryland 20715, on March 7, 2026. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m., followed by a 3:00 p.m. service.

Her final resting place will be at Chesapeake Highlands Memorial Gardens, 3270 Broomes Island Road, Port Republic, Maryland, at a later date.

Donations may be made in her memory to Gilchrist Hospice, 11311 McCormick Road, Suite 350, Hunt Valley, Maryland 21031, or online at gilchristcares.org/donate.

Kay’s life was one of quiet strength, fierce devotion to her family, intellectual curiosity, hospitality, laughter, and unwavering love. She built not only a home, but a legacy — one that lives on in the generations she nurtured.

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.