December 12, 1940 – February 26, 2023

Kay was as authentic as they come. She knew how to cut to the heart of the matter. She added a positive force for good in the world. You never wondered where she stood on a topic, yet she always gave you space and grace for your own opinion. Kay lived her life in service, catering and caring for others. Whatever service required, she ensured it was made with love and served with hospitality.

She was born in Hempstead, NY as a first generation American, the youngest of three daughters to Louis and Marie Maas on December 12, 1940. She grew up with sisters Alice and Marylou. In her youth Kay expressed athleticism, playing volleyball and basketball. She loved retelling high school memories of cheerleading alongside her lifelong best friend, Laura. The whole Maas family embraced a heritage of equine care that shaped her love of horse-back riding. Rex, her beloved horse, was an oft cherished memory.

Kay met Doug by chance when he accompanied a friend home from college for a neighborhood gathering. She was 12, and recounted to everyone that she 'knew he was the one', Years later they reconnected. They fell in love when she was 19, and married at 20. Kay claimed their story of their 57 years together, "the grandest love story of all time."

They moved from Huntington, NY and her beloved mother, Marie, to Melbourne, Florida in 1973 with their elementary age children (Kristine, Brian, Todd and Kyle) in tow.  After myriad endeavors that created a strong social, work and faith network in the Space Coast area, Kay partnered and supported Doug with his dream to open a restaurant. First, The Little Dipper Fondue Restaurant, then the Wearhouse Deli and Prestige Catering. Kay and Doug catered meals from gala's to bar-b-ques. They served many dignitaries, including presidents and princes (Ronald Reagan and the now King Charles) over the years, as well as most of us.

Kay became a well-loved resident at Presbyterian Towers, in 2012. She served on the board and spread hospitality among residents, she now calls friends. She loved to spend quality time (her love language) together. Travels and adventures with family were special. Her stories recalled a visit to Austria and Germany to see her parents' homeland and a trip with sister Marylou and daughter Kristine to recreate her mother Marie's favorite trip through Canada.

Every encounter with Kay was a "Celebration of Life". She delivered exuberance that could not be denied. Friend, family, or complete stranger, once you've met her, you'll not likely forget her.  She walked the talk and lived the call to be a doer of the Word pouring heart and soul into the work of her hands.

Kay celebrated her 82 ^nd birthday last December. She departed us to be with the Lord and all her loved ones gone before her (including beloved husband, Doug and son, Brian). Her departure was a beautiful testament to the strong family she cultivated. Over her final two-weeks many had their chance to engage, touch, and reminisce with her before her final sunrise on Sunday, February 26 ^th . Her ultimate life wish has been granted, and she will forever be surrounded by family and the Lord.

Here, her memories remain with, Kristine, sons, Todd and Kyle, her grandchildren, Jennifer, Julia, Jaynee, Sydney, Reed, Ryan, Ellie, Skye, Zen and Tao, her great-grandchildren, Zack, Gracyn, Layla, Chloe, Ally, Cash and Ruby- Commissioning each to seek the Lord's will for their lives and give it all they've got until she meets them again one day on the other side of eternity.