Kay Darby

Kay Darby was full of energy. Her kindness and generosity was reflected not only in everything she did, but also in every relationship she formed. She was always looking out for others, especially her family, whom she cherished above all else.

1920s America defied the convention of earlier decades. In music, the syncopated rhythm of jazz became all the rage in clubs around the country. And in fashion, women began shortening their hemlines, raising them above the ankle for the first time in modern history.

In the midst of these progressive times, Frank and Veronica (Szejda) Zawacki were busy raising a family in Jackson, Michigan. Their daughter Kay, who was one of seven children, was born on January 1, 1923.

Unfortunately, Kay’s mother died only a few years after her birth. Frank Zawacki, who worked as a tailor, did the best he could to raise his large family. The children, particularly Kay and her sisters, worked very hard to help their father in whatever way they could. In doing so, the girls became very close, forming strong relationships that would last the rest of their lives.

The Zawacki family eventually moved to Grand Rapids, where Kay attended St. Isidore School. She was a very bright student who loved being busy. Participating in sports was one way for Kay to make use of her abundant energy. She was naturally very athletic and excelled in almost anything she tried.

After high school, Kay became less involved in sports, favoring other activities instead. Although she did enjoy bowling, she kept her self busy with all sorts of other things, like sewing, knitting, reading, card playing, and attending the concerts and games of her nieces and nephews. Kay was known as a very accomplished cook as well. She was the keeper of the family’s recipes, and loved lobster and crab.

At Thanksgiving and Christmas, Kay helped prepare meals from the recipe collection before sitting down with her family to watch football or play cards. Being around her family during these holiday times made it Kay’s favorite part of the year. In reflection of her good spirits, she would donate her handmade knit wear to Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church Festival.

To support her family, Kay worked at Lear Siegler. There, she made gyroscopes for aircrafts. It was a job she thoroughly enjoyed. She retired from the company after 25 years of dedicated service.

Since Kay enjoyed being busy, she spent a lot of her free time traveling. A favorite summer spot was High Lake, where she and her family would spend a fun and relaxing weekend together. Kay and her sisters took trips by themselves as well, visiting many different cities up north. During part of the winter months, Kay took up residence in Florida and Alabama. She also went to California, Las Vegas, and Atlantic City, where she could have fun gambling in the casinos. Branson, Missouri among her stops too. There, Kay visited the music halls and got her fill of contemporary and big band music.

With all of her traveling, Kay always had a car that could keep up with her. She made sure to get a new one every few years. Which ever car she chose, it was always one that reflected her dynamic personality.

During her retirement, Kay loved doting on her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She thoroughly enjoyed being a grandma and she was good at it. She remembered every family member’s birthday and made sure to send a card.

Without fail, Kay graciously shared her time and love with others. Her incredible generosity never ceased to amaze her friends and family. They will remember Kay's warm and lively presence always.

Kay J. Darby (Zawacki) died peacefully on September 9, 2004. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Edward Zawacki and Anthony Zaremba, as well as her sisters, Helen Skurka and Lottie Spicuzza. Members of Kay’s family include her son, Edward (Elaine) Bolt; grand children Carol (Jeff) Dills and Steve (Denise) Bolt; great-grandchildren Nathan, Alicia, Jenna, and Otis Dills and Riley and Kendall Bolt; sisters Laura Jelsma and Martha Van Dusen; brother-in-law Edward Skurka; sister-in-law Nell Zaremba; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to meet with Kay’s family on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. with the Rosary prayed at 7 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 a.m. at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 520 Myrtle NW. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or make a memorial contribution (in lieu of flowers) to SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church or Holland Home Cook Hospice Center.