Kay Anthony

August 03, 1943 - July 25, 2014

Obituary For Kay Anthony

Kathryn Jane (Strange) Anthony, 70, of Raleigh, passed away Friday, July 25, 2014 at Rex Hospital. She was born in Loogootee, IN. She is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, John Anthony; her loving children: John Anthony, Jr., and wife, Camino; Angela Anthony Nelson and husband, Rick; and Allison Anthony; her grandchildren, who were her greatest joys: Marisa Elena Anthony, Sofia Cristina Anthony, Luke Anthony Nelson and Abigail Kathryn Ostbye. She is also survived by her brother, Tom Strange, and wife Melissa; and many nieces, nephews, and their children. Kay also leaves behind two dear four-legged children, Rudi and Gigi.

Kay’s legacy includes her greatest life’s works, her children and grandchildren, with whom she leaves her strong sense of family, philanthropic spirit and love of all animals. Since moving to Raleigh in 1970 with her family, she has been an active member of the community. She dedicated numerous hours of volunteer time to Wake County Schools as a PTA member, classroom volunteer, special electives teacher, and part-time coach. She co-founded the North Raleigh Tennis Association and coached Junior Tennis for several years. She cherished her Fairfax Hills neighbors and friends. Kay loved her years playing tennis at the Raleigh Racquet Club and her love for the game was contagious. She was also an early member of St. Raphael’s Catholic Church.

Kay always advocated for the underdog and devoted hours helping any living thing that needed help to thrive. From caring for misplaced hummingbirds to sick dogs needing homes to feeding the hungry, Kay felt a sense of responsibility to help. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family welcomes you to honor her life by supporting a charity of your choice. The family would like to express their thanks to everyone that has extended prayers, support and expressions of love and kindness during this time.

The family will accept visitors at Renaissance Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 29, from 6pm to 8pm and a funeral mass will be said in Kay’s honor on Wednesday, July 30, at 12:30pm at St. Raphael Catholic Church.

The family request no flowers, and no gifts.

Services

29 Jul

First Visitation

06:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

30 Jul

Funeral Service

12:30 PM - 01:30 PM

St. Raphael the Archangel R.C. Church 5801 Falls of the Neuse Road Raleigh, NC 27609 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

September 01, 2020

John & Vickie Christofaro

I was so sorry to hear of Kay's death. We have a foursome that plays golf with John every Thursday and we discuss family situations and share various experiences. I had contact with Kay on a few occasions but I knew a lot about her through discussion with John regarding her ongoing health issues, concern for animals and her family and humanity values. May the values she instilled in everyone keep her memory alive for many years to come. On behalf of my wife and myself our thoughts and prayers go out to Kay's entire family as they struggle through this difficult time. John & Vickie Christofaro
September 01, 2020

Doss Madden

Remembering many fun years at Fairfax Hills Swim Club where Kay was a vital part of the swim and tennis activities ... always sharing her big, bright smile and lots of contagious energy. Good memories at this sad time! Doss Madden
September 01, 2020

Barbara & Ed Vitek

Dear John and family. We are very sorry to hear of Kay's death and will pray that she is already in the care of the Good Lord and beside Him each day. Barbara and Ed Vitek
September 01, 2020

Scot Carboni

I was crushed when I heard about Mrs. Anthony passing. Fairfax was such a great place to grow up. It was one big family and Mrs. Anthony was the tennis mom who taught us to play and kept us straight. I will never forget her competitiveness yet the ever present smile and her saying of "too good" when someone hit a winner by her. She will be missed, but the fond memories will live on. Scot Carboni
September 01, 2020

Mike Manning

Fairfax Hills was a great place to grow up and one of the reasons was Mrs. Anthony. Whether she was having us kids over to the house to hang out, or at any number of tennis matches, she was always there with a smile and a positive word. But behind that low slice serve, that creative backhand and that smile at the net was a wicked competitor. To the Anthony family, she will be sorely missed but warmly remembered. Mike Manning
September 01, 2020

Maggie Kozlowski

Remembering Kay with great fondness . Thinking back to all the good times at the Raleigh Racquet Club where we played team tennis. Kay's greatest legacy is her wonderful children and especially Allison, my favorite, as she was a childhood friend of my daughter Karen. I know the love of family, good friends and fond memories will sustain you during this time. Maggie Kozlowski
September 01, 2020

Frank & Sue Black

We have enjoyed the time spent with the Anthony family these many years. Kay made a difference for our children while at Fairfax . I always enjoyed her input at book club meetings, the sharing of the lives of our children, standing up for others and just being strong women together. You all are in our hearts and prayers . She is missed. With Love, Frank & Susan Black