Kathryn Beatrice Stancik

Kathryn “Kay” (Carroll) Stancik, 91, of St. Joseph passed away Wednesday, June 18, 2015 at The Willows Assisted Living. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at 11 A.M. at First Baptist Church, 902 Broad St., St. Joseph , with Rev. Marlo Fritzke officiating. Friends may visit on Monday, June 22, 2015 from 4 P.M. until 6 P.M. at Starks and Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for Kay may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Kay was born on March 6, 1924 in Chicago, IL to Joseph and Cora (Kauffman) Carroll. Kay married the love of her life, John Stancik, Jr., on June 26, 1948 in Chicago. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the Chicago Teacher’s College. She had a passion for education and wanted to share it with others. Kay taught at Sterne Brunson Elementary School in Benton Harbor for 28 years before retiring. For many summers she was a teacher for her church’s Vacation Bible School. Kay was also a very proud member of her church and belonged to their choir. She loved being in nature and tending to her garden. A favorite activity of Kay’s was painting and she was an avid reader. The family would like to give a special thank you to The Willows for the incredible care they gave Kay over the past few years. Kay is survived by her children, John (Kathie) Stancik and Kathleen (James) Way both of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Elizabeth (David) Barksdale, Kimberly (Christopher) Maffin, Chris (Edith) Nowicki, Kelly (James Shaw) Nowicki, Brian (Kate Stacey) Way, Jeffrey Way, Matthew Way; and three great grandchildren. Kay was preceded by her parents; husband; and siblings Mary Jane Smiddy and Joseph Carroll.