Kay was born on September 6, 1945, and raised in Longmont, Colorado. Her biological father, Dale Jackson, passed away early in her life, before she had the chance to get to know him. She was raised with love by her mother, Elizabeth, and her father, Victor Peterson, who adopted her, cherished her as his own, and lovingly guided her throughout her life. She graduated from Central High School in Aurora and later attended Parks Business School. She eventually made her home in Aurora, where she raised her family, built her career and spent much of her life.
Kay spent much of her working life doing something that came naturally to her: being around people. She worked as a receptionist at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Aurora and later joined Shalom Park, where she spent 17 years before retiring in 2016.
At Shalom Park, Kay became a familiar voice and face to residents, families, coworkers and visitors. Her retirement celebration summed up those 17 years with more than 4,420 days at Shalom Park, an estimated 700,000 phone calls, hundreds of problems solved, countless projects and, most importantly, unforgettable friendships and memories.
Kay’s faith in the Lord was an important part of who she was and remained a source of strength throughout her life. She loved her family deeply, treasured her friendships and found joy in the people around her.
And she loved NASCAR. Kay could get caught up in a race and cheer with the same enthusiasm she brought to so many other parts of her life. It was one of those things that was simply part of being Kay.
She was preceded in death by her biological father, Dale Jackson; her father, Victor Peterson; and her mother, Elizabeth Peterson.
Kay is survived by her longtime partner, Arthur Katz; her sisters, Dalene Sheeder of Longmont and Ruth Colby of Boulder; her children, Cathy (Ursula) Orona, Tony (Carissa) Corona and Frank Orona; and her grandson, Dylan Orona.
It is impossible to fit 80 years of a life into a few paragraphs. Kay was a partner, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, a coworker and a friend. Everyone will have their own memories of her, but so many of those memories will include her kindness, her faith, her laughter and that big smile.
A visitation will be held at the Howe Mortuary Community Room, 439 Coffman Street, Longmont, Colorado 80501, on September 1, 2026, at 10:00 am, followed by a funeral at 11:00 am and a reception at 11:30 am at the same location.
A graveside committal will take place at Longmont Mountain View Cemetery, 620 11th Avenue, Longmont, Colorado 80501, on September 1, 2026, at 1:00 pm.
Services are entrusted to Howe Mortuary & Crematory of Longmont, Colorado.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Orona family.
