Kathryn "Kay" Kennard McIlyar

Kathryn "Kay" Kennard McIlyar, 90, of Dallas, passed away peacefully at home on June 24, 2025. Kay was born December 1,1934 to Dorothy Downman and John Kennard in Houston, TX. She grew up in Houston and attended the Kinkaid School before transferring to Hockaday as a boarding student in high school. She began her college years at SMU where she pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. After her freshman year, she transferred to the University of Texas, where she met the love of her life, William Kent McIlyar, Jr. (Kent). They dated just five months before getting married in 1955, then moving to San Francisco for two years where Kent served as an officer in the U.S. Army.

Kay and Kent returned to Dallas in 1959, where they started building a lifetime of close friendships. Kay was a member of Junior League of Dallas, Crystal Charity Ball, Dallas Country Club and numerous other social organizations and book clubs. Together, they spent thirty years happily married and raising their four children until Kent's passing in 1985. Kay continued to be a shining example of quiet strength for all who knew her. She enjoyed her work as a bridal consultant for over 20 years where she loved helping young brides prepare for their big day.

Kay's greatest joy was her family, who lovingly called her the Matriarch as she provided unconditional love, steady leadership, and infinite wisdom to all. She also adored her friends, many of which she played poker and bridge with for over 50 years. She enjoyed countless "girls' trips" to the beach and mountains and always expressed gratitude for these dear friendships and precious opportunities.

Kay, affectionately known as Honey by her grandchildren, will be remembered for her unwavering devotion and loyalty to the family she so dearly loved. Family absolutely defined her life. She was both a cheerleader and wise counselor to her large extended family. She had uncanny insight into people and the social graces of an era gone by.

Kay was a beautiful woman, inside and out, and will be deeply missed. She is survived by her children, Kathy Kelley (Kevin), William Kent McIlyar, III, Kelly McIlyar (Tim), and Kirby McIlyar (Dave); sister, Kirby Kendrick; brother, Stephen Kennard; sister-in-law, Joan McIlyar; 10 grandchildren, Marshall Kelley, Anne Kelley Massad, Paige Kelley Rapp, Emily McIlyar Rothwell, Bonnie McIlyar Durley, Robert Tomlinson, Kathleen Tomlinson, Grant Gardner, Reid Gardner, and Brooks Gardner; and 5 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, July 9, at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church (the Chapel) in Dallas. Memorials may be made to Easter Seals of North Texas or to the charity of your choice.