After gracing the earth for nearly 93 years Kathryn Jean Gaida “Kay” passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 2, 2022 after a long struggle with dementia. Born in Spangler, Pennsylvania, Kay married the love of her life, Blair Paul Gaida and together they raised their family in St. Clair Shores, Michigan.
A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Kay deeply loved her family, friends and faith. She enjoyed working and volunteering at St. Gertrude Church, spending time with her grandchildren, playing games, watching sports, going to the casino and crocheting dishcloths she liked to give away. Affectionately known as “Grandma-Gaida" to many, Kay enjoyed extended visits with family and meeting new people. Her pleasant personality was contagious to everyone she met. She was the life of the party and she was always ready to shake ‘em up on the dance floor. Anyone playing cards with Kay knew she was very competitive and loved to win! Kay’s beautiful spirit and positive demeanor was loved by all, she will be dearly missed.
Kay’s husband Blair preceded her in death after 47 years of marriage. She is survived by her: four children, Jim Gaida, Denise Gaida Essenberg, Blair Gaida, and John Gaida; her eight grandchildren, Matthew Essenberg, Christopher Essenberg, Blair Gaida, Lisa Gaida, John Gaida, Nina Gaida, Gabriella Gaida, and Grant Gaida; and her two great-grandchildren, Russell Essenberg, and Morgan Kapnick.
A Catholic vigil will be held on Friday, February 11, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm with a Rosary service at 7:00pm, at Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson, St. Clair Shores, MI 48081. (586) 775-2424
A Catholic funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 12, at 10:00am at Our Lady of Hope Parish, 28301 Little Mack Ave, St. Clair Shores. Church doors will open at 9:50am.
The Rite of Committal burial will follow as she will be laid to rest next to Blair at Resurrection Cemetery, 18201 Clinton River Rd, Clinton Township.
Immediately following there will be a luncheon and celebration of Kay’s life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests those wishing to honor Kay consider a donation in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org, or the Susan G. Komen organization, www.komen.org.
Due to Covid, the family requests that if you are feeling ill in anyway that you please show the love that you have for Kathryn and her family from afar. Please send a card or leave a condolence message on the website for the family to see.
