WARREN – Kay F. Leary, 82, died peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, Thursday, January 11, 2018.

Born in Thomaston, July 11, 1935 she was one of twelve children born to Walter, Sr. and Leone Courier Butler. She was educated locally, graduating from Thomaston High School in 1954. Following high school, Kay enlisted in the U.S. Army. During her service she was stationed at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. Serving for two years, she was honorably discharged and returned home to her beloved mid-coast Maine.

Once home, her sisters took her with them to a high school dance so she could meet the handsome Mr. Leary, a new teacher at Thomaston High School. Their introduction was brief, and he almost walked away, but Frank Leary recalls that something made him go back and ask her out on a date, a turning point in his life that he remembers to this day. Two short months later, the couple were married in December of 1956. Together they made their home in Rockland for a short while before moving to Warren. They eventually purchased their forever home in Warren, where they have resided together ever since.

When her children came along, Kay stopped working to stay home and raise them. She was always active in their lives. As they grew and went out on their own Kay returned to the work force. Along with her sister Margaret, with whom she was inseparable, Kay worked as a house keeper and family caregiver for Mrs. Virginia Larson. For over ten years, 'the two' as they are known by family, cared for the Larson family as if they were their own. Later they worked at the Samoset Resort on the housekeeping staff. Kay also held employment with the Camden Water Company and Bicknell Manufacturing.

Kay had a heart for caring for others that well beyond her knack for impeccable housekeeping. She was happiest when she was doing something for someone else. Over the years, she has been the sole caregiver for her own parents, her grandparents, her mother-in-law and her brother.
One of her favorite pastimes was going to the beach. Her children remember spending every day at Sandy Shores when they were young. She loved sitting with her family and soaking up the sun.

She was an accomplished knitter and enjoyed crocheting as well. She made it a priority to teach each one of her children and grandchildren, some of them took to it more naturally than others. Although she didn't watch much TV, she never missed a M.A.S.H. re-run. Since 1976 Kay has been an active member of the Second Congregational Church in Warren.
Above all else, Kay's number one priority was her family. She was fiercely loyal to them and loved nothing more than family gatherings and time spent together. In her last days, Kay's legacy shown through in her two granddaughters, Emylee and Margo. Following in their grandmothers footsteps they were by her side every minute, giving her impeccable and loving care. Her family is extremely grateful for their love and companionship.

Kay is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Francis 'Frank' Leary of Warren; her children, Patrick Leary and his wife Denise, Peter Leary and his wife Kimberly all of Thomaston, Stephanie Leary-Pendleton and her husband Jeff of Warren; her siblings, Howard Stetson of Warren, Audrey Downs of Portsmouth, NH, Margaret Damewood of Warren, Pauline Wright of Bradford, MA; her grandchildren, Cody Castaneda and his wife Candace, Desireé Leary, Emylee Leary, Kaysee Leary, Amanda Pendleton, Margo Pendleton, Kaleb Pendleton; her great-grandchildren, Izzabelle, Noah, and Joseph; a brother-in-law Peter Asta-Ferrero; as well as many nieces and nephews and a large extended family. She was predeceased by a son Matthew Leary in 1972; as well as her siblings and their spouses, Harold Stetson, Oswald Stetson, Helen Stetson, Kenneth Stetson, Walter Butler and his wife Martha, Helen Gagnon, Elizabeth Noyes, Theodore Downs, James Damewood, Waneta Asta-Ferrero and Forrest Wright.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., with a time of sharing led by Rev. Andy Stinson at 3 p.m., Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. A reception will follow at the Second Congregational Church of Warren, 252 Main Street, Warren.

Those who wish may make memorial donations to the Second Congregational Church of Warren. To share a memory or condolence with the Leary family please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.