Kathleen Louise Walczak

She is survived by her sister, Joyce; her children, Wendy (Mark) and Dean (Elizabeth); her six cherished grandchildren, Matthew, Eric (Camila), Spencer (Weiman), Elena, Evan, and Lucille; and her great-grandson, Jacinto.

Preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Don, and parents, James and Lucille Sanders.

Kay was the most unique person we will likely ever know: Quirky, fun, boisterous, opinionated, and absolutely determined to do things the way she saw fit. If there was a surface to be found, Kay felt compelled to paint it. But she didn't stop at canvases or the folksy pieces she sold through Kay’s Blue Onion Art Gallery. She muraled on her walls, added color to just about every piece of furniture she owned, and even painted her television and phone so they matched the rest of the room. While she didn't paint her grandchildren, she and her beloved mother loved to dress them up when they were babies.

Kay's artistry carried over to her very presence. Her wardrobe was colorful, and every piece matched — from her "cheaters" to her shoes. And then there were the wigs. So many wigs, in all different shapes and colors. One was never quite sure which Kay would appear. Salt and pepper Kay? Brown with a touch of honey-gold Kay? Silver and white Kay? No matter. Whichever Kay appeared, you knew there would be stories about her travels — fact-checked by Don — or updates about her sister, her children, or her grandchildren.

Kay enjoyed traveling with her husband and family, drinking instant coffee and an occasional margarita, spending time with her sister in Florida, and keeping in touch with her many friends. Kay had super-human energy, which she brought to her work at the International Bazaar at the Minnesota State Fair, her garden and her tenacious chasing of geese off her beautiful yard, her holiday celebrations, and her thrift-shopping. In her final days, that super-human energy clung to life, even as her spirit clamored for rest. There will never be another person like Kay, and we will miss the light and laughter she brought to our lives. We know that heaven is going to be a bit more colorful when she gets there.

A celebration of life in her honor will be held on Friday, May 1st, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Chapel located at 2250 St Anthony Blvd NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418.