Kathleen Marie Walczak

Kathleen “Kay” Walczak (Griffin), 74, of Valrico, Fla., passed away on Monday, April 2, 2018 at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa Bay, Fla. Kay fought valiantly against a rare and aggressive cancer for almost eight years with grace, dignity, and unfaltering courage. The medical team, who took such loving care of her, were amazed by her resilience and determination and as her doctor stated, "Kay is one tough lady!"

Kathleen Marie Griffin was born on January 26, 1944 in Rochester, Minn. to Walter and Agnes (Halloran) Griffin. She grew up on the family farm, attended rural and Rochester schools, graduating from Lourdes High School in 1962. She was employed at Mayo Clinic as a medical secretary for a few years, before moving to Washington D.C. where she was employed with the FBI doing clerical work for 1 year and at the University of Michigan Periodic Health Care Unit for 1 year. Kay was married on September 14, 1968 at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in rural Simpson, Minn. to Aloysius L. Walczak. Following their marriage, the couple resided Michigan, where Kay was employed at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Mich. Following the birth of their children, she was a stay at home Mom. Al and Kay moved to Valrico, Fla. in 1980 with an IBM job transfer. Kay was a past member of St. Bridget's Catholic Church and was an active member of Nativity Catholic Church in Brandon, Fla.. where she participated in fundraising for the church that involved the sport of bowling, which she and Al enjoyed in various leagues through the years. Kay also worked as a Retail Merchandiser for Hallmark Gold Crown stores in Fla. for 24 years and enjoyed the people she worked with.

Kay's children and grandchildren were her most precious legacy. Her greatest joy came from their happiness - cuddling, playing games, scrapbooking, crafting, and baking were just a few of the joys she shared with them. She began a scrapbook for each grandchild, which covered significant events in their lives starting from birth. She also put a lot of love and care into hand-making all of their cards, which are treasured keepsakes. One of her favorite places to spend time with family was Sanibel Island. Memories spent enjoying nature and searching for special seashells together will be held dear. Another special place for Kay was the Griffin Family farm in Minnesota. She and Al made the 24 - 30 hour trek up north every year. It brought her immense joy to share that part of her life with her children, and eventually grandchildren. Reuniting with family, exploring the farm and enjoying the family potlucks, bonfires, shopping excursions, and exciting card games of 500 and 31 made for great memories. Kay was genuine, caring, encouraging, supportive, and had the most beautiful smile. Al has said, “She is the most forgiving person he has ever known.” We will miss her and love her always.

Survivors include her loving husband of 49 1/2 years - Al of Fla.; son, Sean Walter (Rebecca); daughter, Kerry Lynn (Steve) Bal; five grandchildren, Katherine, David, Anna Marie, Genevieve, and Kaitlin; father, Walter Griffin of rural Rochester; three sisters, Mary Francis (John) Gillich of Stewartville, Sheila Griffin of rural Rochester, Roseann (Chuck) Melby of Rochester, Minn.; three brothers, Patrick (Bridget) Griffin of Rochester, Daniel (Faye) Griffin of rural Rochester, Timothy Griffin of Minneapolis, Minn.; and a bountiful cornucopia of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her mother, Agnes and brother, William “Billy” Griffin.

A private burial service is being planned for the near future.