Kay Marlene Passage

Born on July 17, 1931, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kay was the first child of Clara and Oliver Kuehnel. She grew up surrounded by extended family and shared a close bond with her younger sister, Marilyn (Berg). Milwaukee is also where Kay met her beloved husband, Lawrence D. Passage. Following Lawrence’s graduation from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, they moved to Upstate New York, where they built their life together and raised their family.

Kay’s life was marked by devotion—to her faith, her family, and her work. Her primary calling was that of a loving and dedicated mother. After her children were grown, she served her community as Deputy Receiver of Taxes and later as a Secretary for Broome County Mental Health. In addition, Kay built a decades-long career as a Shaklee Supervisor, passionately promoting health and nutrition for more than 40 years.

In retirement, Kay made her home in Cocoa Beach, Florida, where she embraced life with joy and purpose. She loved walking along the beach, welcoming others through her volunteer work at Cocoa Beach Community Church as a greeter, thrift store volunteer, and active participant in Women’s Fellowship. She also enjoyed time with family and friends and was an engaged member of the Moose Lodge in Merritt Island and the Brevard County Newcomers Club.

Kay’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and faith lives on through her family.

She is survived by her daughter Lisa Blackburn and husband Jon, and their children Karen and Oliver; her son Barry Passage and wife Devora, and their children Kristopher, Joshua, and Danielle; and her daughter Alison Hammack and husband Greg, and their children Daniel, Ben, and Mitchell. Kay was a proud grandmother of eight and a great-grandmother of nine, each of whom brought her immense joy.

Kay will be lovingly remembered for her unwavering faith, her kindness to all, and the deep love she shared with her family and community. She touched many lives and leaves behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and grace.

A celebration of Kay’s life will be held on Saturday, January 31, at 2:00 p.m. at Cocoa Beach Community Church, 126 S. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, FL 32931. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Tuskawilla Nursing and Rehab Center in Winter Springs, Florida, for their exceptional care and compassion. The family also wishes to acknowledge Alison Hammack and her friends, Sandra and Helen, for their extraordinary devotion to her mother’s comfort and well-being in Kay’s final years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Cocoa Beach Community Church, 126 S. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, FL 32931.