Elizabeth Kathleen "Kay" Tucker

Elizabeth Kathleen "Kay" Tucker

Our beautiful wife, mother and grandmother, Elizabeth Kathleen (Kay) Tucker, went to be with the Lord on Monday, August 15, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. Kay was born to Huey and Cora Tucker on August 2, 1929, in Jackson, MI, where she spent most of her life. A graduate of Jackson High School, she met the love of her life and husband of 68 years there, Don Tucker. After marrying at St John's Catholic Church, the newlyweds set out on an adventure to southern California. There, she worked at General Petroleum while Don went to school to become an aerospace engineer.

Upon returning to Jackson a few years later, Kay continued working as a secretary at Aeroquip Corporation before starting a family. Kay soon made many lifelong friends and enthusiastically devoted herself to her chosen role of homemaker, becoming a master decorator, cook and entertainer while raising her four children and later enjoying eight granddaughters and eleven great grandchildren.

Kay volunteered for decades at her home parish of Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church and other local organizations. Bridge was a favorite pastime, and she enjoyed challenging games with her friends. After her children were raised, she went back to school and earned her LPN, working at what was then called Foote Hospital for some time. Along with those activities, she looked forward to the many travels she made with her family around and outside the country. She and Don especially loved their condo in Ft. Myers Beach and regular long excursions to Palm Springs.

Kay was the true matriarch of her large family, all of whom were directly touched by her buoyant spirit and love of life. She is survived by her devoted husband and incredible caretaker over her lengthy illness, Don Tucker of Jackson; her children Gary (Cathy) Tucker of Bath MI, Kathy (Bob) Garrett of Jackson, and Laurie (James) Kolb of Jackson; her grandchildren, Heather Voight, Karey Walters, Jill McEldowney, Amanda Norton, Rachel Bamm, Katie Tucker, Jamie Hui, and Angie Kolb; several nieces and nephews; and her brothers George and Leon Tucker. She was preceded in death by her treasured son Brian, her parents, many aunts and uncles, and innumerable friends, all about whom she shared many loving and entertaining stories over the years.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, August 18 at 11:30 AM at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church in Jackson, MI with Father Peter Lawrence as the celebrant. Her burial will take place following the Mass at St. John's Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends before the Mass, from 10:30–11:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Queen of the Miraculous Medal School and Allegiance Hospice. In addition, the family would like to extend their profound thanks to Allegiance Hospice and Personal Care, Comfort Care, and to staff at Vista Grand Villa for their support during her last months.

Desnoyer Funeral Home--Family owned for 126 years