Kathryn Kay Kevern

Kathryn “Kay” Kevern of East Lansing passed away on December 16, 2025 at the age of 96. She was born in Stockton, Illinois on July 23rd, 1929 to Harry and Agnes (Clancy) Williams and spent her childhood in Elizabeth, Illinois. It was in Elizabeth that she met and married Niles Kevern, a union that spanned 68 years.

Kay graduated from Northern Illinois State Teacher’s College in Dekalb, Illinois and embarked upon a career in physical education. She loved telling stories about the young lives she changed and how they in turn changed hers. In addition to teaching, Kay was a talented pianist and dancer and loved sharing those talents at schools in Montana and Michigan where she created numerous productions.

Kay and Niles lived in Montana and Tennessee before settling in East Lansing to raise their family. Together, they spent many years attending MSU football, basketball, and hockey games.

One of Kay’s many passions was playing cards and she became a much-loved bridge instructor in the East Lansing and Greater Lansing areas. She also logged more than 20 years playing sanctioned bridge games at the Bridge Center of Lansing, ultimately being awarded the Bronze Life Master and Golden Age Master titles from the American Contract Bridge League. Kay was a proud member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish where she shared her love of the church with all those around her, her devout nature being an inspiration to friends and family alike.

Kay’s greatest love was her family. She loved nothing more than spending time with her children and grandchildren at the family cottage, hosting Christmas Eve celebrations, and attending sporting events, concerts, and other activities that the grandchildren were involved in. Her family will dearly miss her presence, her contagious laugh, and her life-of-the-party spirit she brought to every gathering.

Kay is survived by her children: Michael (Dawn) Kevern, Tamara (Robert) Kevern Antekeier, and JoAnn (Pat Carroll) Kevern Smith. Kay will be remembered fondly by her grandchildren: Brittany Szombati (Joseph), Tony (Stephanie) Kevern, Christopher (Lindsay) Turner, Eric (Audrae) Yelvington, Emily Kay Yelvington, Houston Smith, Claire Smith, and Luke Smith. Additionally, Kay leaves behind four great-grandchildren. Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Niles Kevern, in 2024.

There will be a private family celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Elara Caring Hospice Foundation.