Edith Katherine "Kay" Adkins Wilson

WILSON, EDITH KATHERINE "KAY" July 19, 1923 to August 11, 2011 Kay died peacefully at San Diego Hospice on August 11, a month after celebrating her 88th birthday. Kay was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Edith Best Adkins and Ralph M. Adkins. In 1944. she entered the U.S.P.H.S. Cadet Nurse Corps. She then worked as a labor and delivery RN. She married WWII veteran Donald Wilson in 1947. Their daughters Bridget and Donna arrived in 1949 and 1956. In 1966, Kay began working at the Omaha VA Medical Center, where she proudly served America's veterans. She was a key organizer and first president of Nebraska's first nursing union. Don died in 1974. She retired to San Diego, CA in 1986. Her large circle of friends was her extended family. She also was the "Mom" to many at Dignity San Diego, LGBT Catholic community. She is survived by daughters Bridget (San Diego) and Donna (Gretna, NE) and daughters-in-law, Kim and Denise. She was preceded in death by Don, sister Dora June and brothers Raymond and Robert. Hawaiian-print shirts welcome at a Celebration of her Life on August 27, 10 a.m., at Merkley-Mitchell Mortuary, 3655 Fifth Ave., San Diego. A Mass will be offered at Dignity/SD on August 28 at 6 p.m. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to SD Hospice, Disabled American Veterans, or Dignity SD.

Arrangements under the direction of Merkley-Mitchell Mortuary, San Diego, CA.