Anna Kathryn "Kay" Finan Van Gundy (1922-2014)
Kay Van Gundy, 91, of Ventura passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family February 6, 2014.
Kay was born February 16, 1922 in Salina, KS to Thomas A. and Anna E. Finan. In 1941, during her senior year at Sacred Heart High School, Kay began working at Stiefel's Department Store in Salina where she was employed for over 10 years. She married Kent, her husband of 63 years, in 1948 and they remained in Salina for the next 5 years. In 1953 they moved their young family west from the Kansas Plains to California.
Throughout her life, Kay spent many hours volunteering. She was a member of the Rosary Altar Society at Our Lady of the Assumption Church and a volunteer for various activities at Our Lady of the Assumption Elementary School, where she was one of the "Hot Lunch" Moms. Kay was a dedicated member of the St. Bonaventure Booster Club. She also contributed to the planning and preparation of the traditional "Green & Gold Balls" and annual "Fiestas" at St. Bonaventure High School. As a member of St. Anne's Guild of Ventura County, Kay donated not only time to the success of the St. Anne's craft bazaars but her specialties - embroidered tea towels and angel food cakes.
One of her greatest pleasures was to host a group of friends in an afternoon or evening of playing Bridge. As years went by her grandchildren became her focus. As they grew, Kay never missed a celebration or event concerning them. They were her joy.
Kay is preceded in death by her husband Kent, sister, Jeanne and brothers, Harold, John Bernard, and Jerry Finan. Kay is survived by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Bud and Shirley Finan, Charles and Carole Finan and sister-in-law, Clara Finan; daughters and sons-in-law, Beth and John Swaim of Ventura and Gina and John Auer of Independence, OR; sons and daughters-in-law, Tom and Priscilla Van Gundy of Ventura and Larry and Barbara Van Gundy of Visalia; grandchildren, Cassie and Krista Swaim, Lauren and Pat McCue, Aaron and Amy, Megan, Sean and Nicole Van Gundy, Heidi Van Gundy, Brooksley and Evan Jones, Garrett and Shelby Bernard, Corrin and Matt Coker, Leighann and Kayla Auer; and 12 great-grandchildren.
A Rosary will be recited at 4PM on Wednesday February 12, 2014 in the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME 757 E. Main Street Ventura. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 13, 2013 at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 3175 Telegraph Road, Ventura. A reception will immediately follow at the church hall. In lieu of flowers, you may make contributions to your favorite charity