Kay Elinor Klayman

Kay Klayman passed away at her home in Washington, DC, on Thursday, January 25, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born on February 6, 1934, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and spent most of her childhood in Williamson, West Virginia. Kay was proud of her West Virginia roots and remained close to her extended family, many of whom also came from that small, West Virginia town.

Kay graduated from Ohio State University with a Master’s in English. She moved to upstate New York after getting married and began teaching English at St. Lawrence University. She took a brief stint as a stay-at-home mom when she had her two children but then went back to graduate school to get a Master’s in Library Science as she began her career as a librarian at the State University of New York at Potsdam. Kay developed many long-lasting friendships there and was active in social justice and ecological work.

Eventually, Kay moved to Washington, DC, and began working at the patient’s library at the National Institutes of Health until her retirement in 2004. After she retired, Kay devoted her time to family, traveling, reading, current events, and the arts. With her keen sense of humor and love of witty repartee, she enlightened the lives of those she loved.

Kay is survived by her son, Eric Brown (Margaret), her daughter Sarah Bramble (Bill); and her grandchildren Joshua Bramble, Julian Brown, Violet Brown, and Chloe Rimmerman. A memorial will be held at Joseph Gawler’s Sons in Washington, DC on March 16, 1 pm - 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum or the Southern Poverty Law Center.