Kay Frances McDermott

Kay was born on February 18, 1934 to William (Willy) Slaback and Ethel (Smith) Slaback in Viola, Wisconsin. As the fourth born child, she was adored by her three older siblings: Verna, Dale, Merlin, in fact, she often complained about having three dads and two moms.

She met her husband, Alfred, in Richland Center High School, where they were in the band together. Their relationship began with Alfred teasing her on the band trip bus rides and continued lightheartedly throughout their relationship. Their relationship blossomed through outings with mutual friends Cecil and Betty. They dated throughout high school, often going to see cowboy movies. Alfred graduated high school one year before Kay and moved to Milwaukee for college. A year later, Alfred received a call from Kay, surprising Alfred that she had moved to Milwaukee, taking up an office job to be near him. Their dating continued and they finally married on August 14, 1954.

Kay was the devoted mother of four children: Susan (deceased), Dennis (Misook), Wendy, and Michael. The McDermotts also fostered three children and hosted two foreign exchange students in their home. Her care for her family and others reached into her work life as well. She took jobs that allowed her to be available for her family and later operated a Community Care Living Center for the Elderly for ten years, providing compassion and support to those in need.

Alfred and Kay retired in 1998, begging the question, what do they do with their time now? They settled on buying a motor home and travelling where they pleased; Alaska, Florida, Maine, and countless other places, especially Arizona, where they spent many winters. Being the adventurous retired couple they were, they also traveled extensively abroad. They traveled to Italy to visit Frankie, a foreign exchange student that stayed with them, to whom they have a close relationship with. Switzerland, Greece, Israel, and Egypt were other countries they traveled to. Eventually, with three of their four children in Colorado, they settled down in Longmont, but still continued their motor home adventures, often helping family members in need. Their family grew to include nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Visiting family around the country became a top priority. They recounted that they actually spent more time in the motor home than in Longmont. When she was home, she enjoyed gardening. She especially loved roses, sunflowers and peonies. You could also find her busy planning family reunions for both sides of the family and enjoying her hobby in genealogy.

Throughout her life, she was a devout member of her local church

in Wisconsin and later in Bible Baptist Church of Erie Colorado (since 2005). Her favorite hymn was “How Great Thou Art” and “Then sings my soul”, from Psalm 84:2, being her favorite verse from the Bible.

In her final years, Kay was cared for by Alfred throughout the progression of her disease. She was able to stay at home and was easy to care for, keeping her sense of humor and getting along with those who cared for her, in particular her trusted husband. At the time of her death, Alfred, Dennis and his wife Misook and Wendy were with Kay.

Kay had a love for adventure and discovery. She enjoyed camping and traveling, finding joy in exploring new places and creating memories with loved ones. Her passion for genealogy reflected her appreciation for family history and connection. Kay's legacy of kindness and devotion will be remembered by all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to all. Alfred and Kay’s loving relationship is an example to all who were grateful to be a part of their life. They both believed that they had a very wonderful life together. The memories she gave are a great gift. She will be truly missed by her family and loved ones.

A visitation for Kay will be held Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Bible Baptist Church of Erie, 5050 NE County Line Rd #1, Erie, CO 80516, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM.