On January 14, 2010, this earth lost a very special soul—Katherine (Kay) Lucido, Kay was 89 years old when she succumbed to kidney failure after a long and valiant fight, surrounded by her loving family and caregivers. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Mario, daughters Maria Lucido of Monterey, Patty Lucido (Ray) Wiley of Colorado Springs, and three granddaughters: Christine Scagliotti of Monterey, Darien (Michael) Fleming of Boston, and Laura Wiley of Colorado Springs, as well as her nephew, Ray (Pat) Lucido of Carmel Valley who came to Hollister from Sicily in 1960 and lived with Kay and her family until his marriage a few years later. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Bernal of Morgan Hill, and half-siblings Robert (Melody) Johnson of Washington, and Barbara (Joel) Ardoin of Texas, and numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren.
Born in Gilroy, CA on January 2, 1921, Kay soon was placed in an orphanage and was adopted at the age of five by Giuseppe and Providenza Russo of Monterey, CA . During World War II, as the result of a fortunate set of circumstances, she was reunited with her birth sisters and brothers and maintained a very close relationship with them throughout her adult life.
While growing up in Monterey, Kay attended local schools and helped with her family’s business before marrying the love of her life, Mario in 1941. They were married at the San Carlos Cathedral when Mario was given a 10 day pass before being shipped overseas to fight in the Third Division under General Patton .
After the war the happy couple resumed their life in Monterey where they started their family before moving to Hollister in 1953. In addition to being a wonderful mother and wife, Kay also worked for Fairview Cannery in the laboratory and held numerous volunteer positions in the community over the years., including working as a precinct volunteer for over 20 years. She was member of Sacred Heart Mother’s Club, Immaculate Conception Church Altar Society, Sister Catherine’s L.O.V.E. Ministries, Hazel Hawkins Hospital Auxiliary, and the Italian Catholic Federation, Branch #26.
Kay and Mario enjoyed an active retirement, traveling throughout the United States and abroad. Among Kay’s favorite memories were the many trips she shared with her husband to visit his family in Sicily, the renewal of their marriage vows on their 50th wedding anniversary in Mario’s childhood church, and a trip commemorating the 50th anniversary of World War II, where Kay and Mario retraced Mario’s European landings.
Kay possessed a life-long zest for learning which did not wane, even during her illness, reading several daily newspapers and taking delight in completing the daily crossword and various word puzzles. Over the course of the last few years, she took pleasure in reading books and outwitting contestants on The Millionaire and Jeopardy!
Family was her first priority, and she gave tirelessly to her husband, children, and grandchildren. She was happiest when preparing a big meal for her family and making sure they all had their favorite dishes and desserts. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary and was keenly interested in events in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives.
To know Kay was to love her. Her beautiful smile, caring heart, and open arms endeared her to many. She welcomed all who came to her home with a smile and an offer of coffee and homemade treats. Her sense of humor was keen and present up until her last hours. Kay’s indomitable spirit and joie d’ vivre were an inspiration to her family, friends and caregivers.
Kay wishes to thank Dr. Peter Coelho and his caring staff, Hospice of the Central Coast, and most especially her devoted “angels”, caregivers Maria Gomez, Armida Parra, Rocio Bermudez, Alma Butterfield, Karina Gomez, and Kathy Palermo who brought her great joy, love, and incomparable care and companionship.
Friends are invited to the recitation of the rosary Monday evening, January 18th at 7:00 P.M. at Grunnagle Ament Nelson Funeral Home 870 San Benito St., Hollister. Following the rosary her body will be transferred to Mission Mortuary 450 Camino El Estero, Monterey where visitation will be held Tuesday morning from 8:30 A.M. until 9:45 A.M. at which time the precession will leave for a Mass Of The Resurrection at San Carlos Cathedral beginning at 10:30 A.M. A reception will follow.
In keeping with Kay’s wishes, donations may be made to San Carlos Restoration Project of Monterey or Hospice of the Central Coast .
Visit: www.grunnagle. com for condolences
