Kay Marie McCormick

Kay Marie (Kenoyer) McCormick

November 26, 1951 – May 11, 2025

Kay McCormick, a cherished mother, daughter, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2025, at the age of 73. Surrounded by love and family in her final days, Kay was comforted with warm memories, laughter and treasured photographs that told the story of her long, beautiful life. A celebration to honor Kay will be held at Oscar Carl Vineyard on Saturday May 24, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

On November 26, 1951, in Waterloo, Iowa, Kay was born into the loving arms of Bill and Jean (Hartwig) Kenoyer. Kay was the youngest of their two cherished daughters, Laura being older by just 13 months. The sisters were close from the start and were blessed to have parents that raised them to value family, enjoy nightly dinners, be steady in faith and love baseball. Their childhood was filled with celebrations of birthdays and holidays, trips to Colorado and cheering on their beloved Cubs.

During Kay’s middle school years, the Kenoyer family moved to Sioux City, Iowa where Kay graduated from Central High School (Class of 1970). Shortly after earning her high school diploma, Kay attended the University of Iowa. She left Iowa City after a year to accept a position at a TV station in Omaha, Nebraska. There she flourished in a career focusing on advertising and making commercials. She truly loved this job and was proud of the young professional she was becoming. During this time, Laura also lived in Omaha and was working in advertising, as well. Together they enjoyed similar professions while experiencing life in a new city. One of Larua’s favorite memories from this time was when she and Kay unexpectedly played on the same softball team one night; both sisters had a blast, especially since most of the successful plays were between Kay (the catcher) and Laura (the second basewoman). After many good times in Omaha, Kay eventually moved back to Sioux City to finish her education. She graduated from Morningside College with a Bachelor of Science Degree and proudly made the Dean’s List for her impressive grades.

In 1988, Kay met Mike McCormick; together they enjoyed 4 months of dating that led to a 6 year-marriage and the births of their two beautiful children: Christopher (Chris) William was born in 1989, and Abigail (Abby) Jean arrived in 1992. Of all her roles in life, it was clear that Kay’s most cherished role was being Chris and Abby’s mom. She carried on traditions from her own childhood, teaching Chris and Abby the importance of having strong values and being close to family. The special bond between Kay and Laura continued to grow over the years, especially as their own families grew. Once both were married and had children, the family get-togethers were more frequent and filled with more reasons to celebrate. Birthdays, parties, weddings and travel, the Kenoyer family continued to create more treasured memories as the years went on.

Chris and Abby remember their mom in many special ways. Kay loved to play games and was often the most competitive person in the room. She was an avid Hawkeye football fan and found joy in the simple pleasure of reading. Kay loved Christmas and was dedicated to making the holiday special for her kids. Fondu was a Christmas tradition, creating a unique type of dinner that made it a fun and warm environment for all that gathered to dip and dine. Old photos show pictures of Chris and Abby in homemade Halloween costumes, as was Kay’s tradition. Kay also loved to travel. Chris and Abby fondly remember trips to Okoboji, Colorado, Hawaii, Bahamas, France, Florida (all things Disney!), Mexico and Spain. It was important to Kay that her children knew that were was a big, wide world outside of Sioux City, Iowa, and through travel, she was able to enjoy a family vacation while exposing Chris and Abby to different places, people and cultures.

Kay also enjoyed being Grandma to Chris’s girls, Khloe (14) and Jetta (9), as well as to Kevin’s daughter Wrenn (12). She had a special space in her house filled with toys that made it even more fun to come to Grandma Kay’s. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and often cheered them on at their sporting events and dance competitions. Khloe and Jetta have a favorite and very special memory with Grandmas Kay: the day she took them horseback riding for the first time. Wrenn is grateful that Grandma Kay was so supportive and loving to her after several family losses. Grandma Kay enjoyed more than just birthdays and holidays with these three girls; she wanted to know them as little people and always took the time to truly talk and laugh with them.

As well as being extremely close and devoted to her family and friends, Kay had a deep, lifelong love of dogs. She enjoyed being a dog-mom many times throughout her life. Although each of her dogs was special, none held a place in her heart quite like Daisy. Together, Kay and Daisy underwent special training until Daisy proudly graduated from the Alliance of Therapy as a certified therapy dog. Kay often took Daisy to the library, where she sat by kids as a librarian read to them. Daisy and Kay also visited nursing homes to help brighten the days and spirits of the residents. Their partnership brought comfort not only to others but also to Kay, as Daisy became her steadfast companion in her later years.

As difficult as it is to lose Kay as a mom, sister, daughter or friend, her love and light will continue to live in the hearts of those who knew her best. May she rest in peace, may she enjoy eternal life and may we carry her with us always.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Jean Kenoyer, and a step-son Brian McCormick. She is survived by her sister Laura Laughlin (Joe); nieces Lizabeth Brook Hansen (Don) and Deborah Doke (Tyler); nephew Joseph Kyle Laughlin (Alexandra); daughter Abby McCormick; son Chris McCormick; step-son Kevin McCormick (Jessie); and granddaughters Khloe and Jetta McCormick (Chris) and Wrenn McCormick (Kevin).