Kay Ann Love

Born Kay Ann Midthun to Donald and Mary Lou on September 24, 1950, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she was the second of four daughters. In her early childhood, the family moved from the Midwest to Costa Mesa, California.

She graduated from Estancia High School in 1968, then attained an Associate Degree from Orange Coast College, also in Costa Mesa.

Shortly thereafter, she met her future husband of over 53 years, Kenneth Love. They were married on August 26, 1972.

She welcomed a daughter in 1978, followed by a son in 1981. The family found their permanent home in Vista in 1983.

She devoted herself as a mother and homemaker throughout her children’s early years. Once they were well established in elementary school, she attained a part-time clerical position at Bobier Elementary, where they were enrolled. There, she was an active member of the PTA, even serving as president for a term. She was also involved in her daughter’s Girl Scout troop activities, taking on the role of Brownie troop leader for a time.

As her children grew older, Kay followed her own mother’s full-time clerical career path and eventually became the Office Manager at Crestview Elementary in Vista.

Throughout the 20+ years of her career, she was beloved by her colleagues and the children attending the school, and she felt the same towards them. She often described her co-workers as her favorite people. She retired in 2011, leaving with a wall full of angels that had been bestowed upon her as gifts throughout the years.

Kay was preceded in death by her father (1976), mother (2004), elder sister Lorelee Midthun (2008), and sister-in-law Betty Hudelson (2016).

She is survived by her husband, Ken; daughter, Heather; son, Aaron, and daughter-in-law Malicia; grandchildren Phoenix, Lian, and Elacia (Ella); sisters Holly Smith and Mary Kay Mulcahy; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

We would like to express special appreciation to her siser Mary Kay, who selflessly set aside seven years of her life to help care for Kay until it became impossible continue on at home. Then, she helped Ken find a truly special place for Kay to be well cared for to the end of her life.

And, many thanks to Stephanie McLaughlin, who offered additional assistance within the home, providing a welcome relief during that time.

We also have tremendous gratitude for the exceptional staff of Vista Gardens Memory Care Community, whose compassion and professionalism went well beyond all expectations. We whole heartedly recommend them to anyone in need of their level of care.

And, finally, Seaport Scripps Hospice care, whose kindness and attentiveness made Kay’s final weeks and last days as comfortable as possible.

Friends and family are invited to attend Kay’s services at Eternal Hills Mortuary Chapel, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA, on Friday, February 6 at 1:00 pm.

Internment will follow at Eternal Hills Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Kay’s honor to:

Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF)

57 West 57th Street, Suite 904,

New York, New York 10019

https://www.alzdiscovery.org/

(212) 901-8000

Kay Ann Love will be laid to rest at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside.