Kay Charlene Bernstein

Kay grew up on the south side of Peoria and attended Manual High School. She worked various jobs in the area, with her longest service at Methodist Hospital. Despite several attempts at retirement, it did not suit her and she continued to work until the time of her passing. A true free spirit, she later moved to Colorado, where she met and married her husband, Matt Bernstein, on December 22, 1998. The couple enjoyed several years in the mountains near Pikes Peak where they shared many outdoor adventures.

Kay embraced life fully by buying her first Harley-Davidson at 63 and even flying a small-engine airplane, despite having to sit on books to see over the controls. She was a proud member of Peo-Taz A.B.A.T.E. and had a lifelong love for animals. Kay was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pekin.

She is survived by her husband, Matt; her sons, Keith (Stephani) McElyea and Scott (Keelie) McElyea; her stepson, Joe (Traci) Bernstein; and seven grandchildren; Jarod, Alec, Brayden, Ashly, Kaitlyn, Sarah and Draven. She was preceded in death by her stepson, David Bernstein.

Kay's visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home in Creve Coeur. A graveside service will be at 10:00 am on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria. Rev. Stephen D. Barnes will officiate. Kay's family has arranged a celebration of life gathering from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm also on Friday at the Limestone American Legion Post 979 in Bartonville. Please join the family as stories will be shared and Kay's life is celebrated.

Memorial contributions may be made to TAPS at https://tapsshelter.org/donate/ or PCAPS at https://www.peoriacounty.gov/1034/Donations

Online condolences may be shared with Kay's family at www.Preston-Hanley.com