- Welcome to Daley Life Celebration Studio, where we Celebrate the Color of Life.
Kay Wilbraham
Her soothing words, “this too shall pass”, were all it took to calm down the most stressful of situations. Kay’s boys knew they’d hear if they were doing something wrong, but Kay left little doubt that she’d be there for them no matter what. When her boys went to St. Joseph’s Grammar school she volunteered as a teacher and later worked as the school secretary. Earlier years found her working as an executive secretary for Clark Equipment in Michigan and later for Dupont, where she brought her organizational skills to bear. And, of course her home was just as organized: her shoes were stacked alphabetically, and Kay had a file or diary on just about everything. She had entertaining down to a science: when hosting an event, she’d look through her diaries dating back to the eighties for insight. Kay was no slouch when it came to cooking; her turkey made the holidays perfect and when the German girl came to South Jersey, friends taught her to cook Italian. Saturdays found her cheering her beloved Notre Dame: she could be heard all the way in South Bend. But, even with all she did, she somehow found a way to fit in a few cruises: 55 to be exact.
The young Kay Vogelsang would go out on a double date with two students from Notre Dame. John Wilbraham was the other girl’s date but fell for Kay at first sight; he’d ask her out the next day: Some Like it Hot at the drive-in theater, borrowing Kay’s mother’s car. A week after his graduation they’d marry. Their 56-year union was blessed by three boys: Thomas (Wade Kocsovsky), Patrick (Amy) and Christopher (Lori); and later by grandchildren, Tristan, Holly, Harry, Ava and Charlotte.
Come celebrate 78 great years Thursday 6-8 p.m. and Friday 9-10 a.m. at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday 11 a.m. at Church of the Incarnation, Mantua. Interment, St. Joseph Cemetery, Woolwich. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Kay’s memory to Holy Cross College, P.O. Box 308, Notre Dame, IN 46556-0308.
8 Comments
Kay’s smile was contagious…. Her love shined through….. She will be missed in my heart but I know she is still caring for us from above. Prayers
John, our deepest sympathy to you, your sons and family. Kay was a delightful, caring, loving person who extended herself to all. We enjoy many Friday evenings together at Weatherby, memories to treasure. May the angels guide Kay to her place in heaven. God bless, Jim and Kate Kelly
To Kay’s boys, you were her world. There was nothing too big or small that she wouldn’t have done for you. Although all of our heart’s are sad with dear Kay’s passing, she would want you to carry on with the loving legacy she left behind. How very blessed we were to have known and loved her for so long. Words seem inadequate at a time like this, but know our hearts and prayers go out to our entire family (I’m so blessed to be a part of that special family). God saw that Kay was getting tired, and He carried her Home. May He comfort you. Bless you all.
My deepest condolences to John and his family. Kay was an outstanding lady. She will be sorely missed.
We first met Kay Wilbraham in 2005 when we moved into Four Seasons Weatherby in Woolwich Township. We initially saw Kay and John in our gym, at some social gatherings, and at our pool in the summer. Our friendship grew over our 8 years there to include many regular fun-filled Friday evenings, times together on LBI, trips to West Point, Chesapeake City for crabs, Peddlers Village, Smithville and then on regular Thursday evenings at Riverwinds when we moved here 5 years ago.
Kay was a warm and witty, kind and classy lady, a gracious hostess who could never do enough for you. She loved and spoiled her husband John and doted on him, and her sons and grandchildren. John recently mentioned, as he now spoiled and doted on her with all the love his heart could hold, a new realization, respect and gratitude for all she did, as he now washed and cooked and took over the household chores Kay could no longer manage.
It has been tremendously sad to see her health decline in recent years. She was valiant and tried so to fight it and not allow us to see it. I know now that the few times she seemed out of sorts, unlike herself, that she was suffering tremendously and not wanting us to notice. The last time I saw her, she was unable to hide it and now her suffering is done.
The Wilbraham Family has their angel in heaven now. I know she will continue to watch over and care for them from above in the years ahead. Rest In Peace dear sweet Kay. We love and will miss you, and will savor our memories.
Kay you are a beautiful and fun soul. You raised 3 handsome men. Now that your up in heaven, can you help make the Irish great again? I believe there are angel’s among us, please watch over us all. God let her rest in peace.
So very sorry for your loss. I always liked Kay and will fondly remember her.
I am so sorry for your loss. Kay was a gem. I worked with her at DuPont and can say she was a great worker, colleague and friend.