Barbara Kay Knodel's Obituary
Knodel, Kay KNODEL (Barbara) Kay Knodel Kay passed away on September 27, 2010 after a ten year battle with ovarian cancer. She was born on October 30, 1949 in Dallas to Tom and Mary Helen Penry. In her youth she joined Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church and attended Highland Park High School. In 1966, Kay married Richard Fabbri and had a son, Michael. Richard predeceased her. Kay worked for the J. C. Penney Corporation as a secretary for two years, and then was Operations Manager at Garvey Labelmatic for 27 years before retiring, after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She lived in Richardson for 36 years.In June 1999, Kay became Mrs. Ray Knodel and the story of their courtship was featured in the Dallas Morning News. Ray stood by Kay as she struggled to maintain her dignity and humor during her illness. Kay was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and loyal friend to many. She was a truly appreciative person with a strong compassion for others.Kay loved movies, writing, cooking, growing tomatoes, shopping, lunching with friends and doing for others. Most of all she loved spending time with her beloved grandchildren who called her Nona. Being their Nona was Kay’s most treasured role.Also very important to Kay were the ladies of the Ovarian Cancer Support Group at Baylor Hospital. Kay was especially grateful to Chaplain Jann Aldredge-Clanton who initially facilitated the group as well as Chaplain Jennifer Holder, who succeeded Jan. Special thanks to Dr. Carolyn Matthews, nurse Flor, Dr. Renee Phillips and all the staff at Baylor Hospital who helped Kay through her journey. Kay had many friends and touched many lives. She is survived by her husband Ray, her son Mike and daughter-in-law Leigh, her adored grandchildren Evan and Grant, her close sister Gail and her best friend Carol in Vermont, plus a host of friends and loved ones too numerous to name. Kay’s tender heart and caretaker spirit reached many. She was the glue that held her family together. With Kay’s love of movies and music she would say: thanks for the memories and it’s been a wonderful life.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Baylor-Cvetko Center, 3535 Worth Street, Dallas 75246. Services will be held Friday, October 1, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. in Restland’s Wildwood Chapel. www.restlandfuneralhome.com
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