Kay Driscol's Obituary
Kay Driscol, our beloved mom, fondly known as "Grandma Ice Cream" and great-grandma Kay, passed away on June 20, just two days shy of her 90th birthday. She was a resident of Lorain for over 60 years and held a deep love for her community. Kay was dedicated to giving back and actively participated in numerous organizations, including the Northeast Ohio Epilepsy Foundation, Girl Scouts, Colony Club, Lorain Community and St Joseph Hospital, and Ohio-based nonprofit, Clothe-a-Child.
Kay’s faith was central to her life, and she was deeply involved with United/Lighthouse Methodist Church as a lifelong member. There, she contributed tirelessly through various committees, community outreach efforts, and as a longtime Sunday School teacher. She was a Stephen’s Minister and had a special passion for supporting senior ministries and shut-ins, and visited them regularly to offer prayers and serve communion – even during her time in Independent Living.
However, her greatest devotion was to her family. After raising three children in Lorain, she showered her attention on her beloved grandchildren, who were the center of her universe. Kay made a point to spend quality time with each grandchild individually and had them stay over for a week each summer. These week-long visits would be filled with crafts, sports, bike rides, trips to Cedar Point and of course – lots of ice cream!
Kay majored in Art at Depauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, and this passion stayed with her throughout her life. She created her own Christmas cards, pencil sketches of her children and various artworks like decoupage purses, stained glass ornaments and painted china. Her artwork was often donated to hospital gift shops and charity auctions. Kay’s Christmas Angels were also a beloved feature in the Lorain Journal during the holiday season.
Although Kay was known for her love of ice cream, she also always maintained an active lifestyle. She loved golf, tennis, skiing and biking. She practiced yoga in the 70s and then did the Jane Fonda workouts in the 80s, often starting her mornings with a jump rope session in the garage before her children went off to school.
Music was another lifelong passion for Kay, which was inherited by her father who played the drums professionally in the 1920s. With music having a constant presence in her childhood home, it was no surprise that it later became a shared bond when she met her husband. Our household was always filled with music, and together, Kay and our dad (Paul) loved listening to live Jazz and dancing.
Speaking of our dad, he was truly the love of Kay’s life and soulmate. They had the most loving and devoted marriage for over 60 years, remaining best friends throughout their lives. Their respect for each other and overall companionship was evident in their nightly ritual of recapping their days in front of the fireplace or on the patio.
Kay will be remembered by her family and friends as a compassionate listener who was always there as a supportive presence. Despite her humble nature and aversion to the spotlight, she touched many lives with her kindness. She had a special place in her heart for her children's friends, treating them like her own and remaining close to many over the years. Her nieces and nephews held her in high regard, cherishing her warmth and affection.
Despite battling Alzheimer's for over eight years, Kay's caretakers admired her gentle spirit and noted her rare tendency never to complain.
There's simply no other way to say it—everyone loved Kay.
She is survived by her 3 children: Nancy Cornwell (Greg) of Geneva, IL, Kelly Driscol of Lorain, OH and David Driscol (Heidi) of Grand Rapids, MI and 6 grandchildren, Amanda Pfeiffer (Sean), David Cornwell (Kristen), Adam Cornwell (Brenna), Blake Driscol (Sarah), Alec Driscol, and Claire Driscol. She was also the great-grandmother of Paige, Tate, and Wells Pfeiffer, Cameron Cornwell and Maeve Cornwell. She was preceded in death in death by her husband of 57 years, Paul Ellsworth Driscol, Jr.
The family will receive friends on Friday, August 16, 2024 from 4:30- 6:00 p.m. in the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. A short Celebration of Life Service will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the funeral center. Kay was deeply loved, and she will forever remain in our hearts.
What’s your fondest memory of Kay?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kay?
Share a story where Kay's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kay you’ll never forget.
How did Kay make you smile?