On March 25, 1943, Linda Kay (Graessley) Prucka-Gawle entered the world smiling and spreading delight wherever she went. She was born to Ralph and Louise (Marsh) Graessley but was truly given as a gift to her dear sister Drue Ann (Graessley) Kramer (Phil); Their sisterhood was a bond of complete devotion that would span her glorious lifetime.
A happy child, Kay spent her early years giggling and making friends easily, charming everyone. She graduated from Monroe High School in 1961, after gleefully singing in the choir and participating in synchronized swimming. She remained friends with many classmates, happy to attend any reunion to reconnect.
She attended Alma College, met and married Dail Frank Prucka. That union bore three children of whom she adored, Deborah Kaye (Michael) Gill, Marc Dail Prucka, and Marsha Elizabeth (Eric) Snavely. She was a very active Mom; she joined everything and was always the one to come up with creative adventures. She gave her children the vast benefit of her optimism and her cup was never empty but always overflowing with possibility. Every single obstacle had a silver lining, there was always something to be grateful for. A generous giver, she led by example, always teaching to think of other people. She emphasized that you should never forget where you came from, kindness was essential.
Being a mother was something Kay was proud of, but being a grandmother gave her such joy. She remained an active participant in each of her grandchildren's lives as they would indulge. She would adopt every social media platform that would keep them connected. Beautiful Kay leaves a legacy of treasured grandchildren: Greta, Baxter (Jacque), Jacqueline, Ruslana, Shiloh, Landon, Titus, Governor, Alexandria, Svetlana, Zorah, Addison, and Parker. She was the very best kind of grandmother. You could sleep over, there were always treats waiting, and arms open for hugs. She had a good listening ear, but also was very willing to give advice and keep a secret.
Family was important, she treasured her nieces and nephews, Karen (Cliff), Danny, (Diamond), Jenny, and Katie (Doug). Even miles away she kept up with their lives and all of their accomplishments. She was especially tickled to be a great aunt to two sets of twins.
She truly never met a stranger. On any given holiday, there might be someone completely new that was invited to share and celebrate. She just gathered new friends everywhere, teaching along the way to be open and accepting of everyone.
A Presbyterian since the cradle, she faithfully worshiped at the First Presbyterian Church of Monroe her entire life. She sang in the choir as a child and an adult, and she learned to play the bells and joined the bell choir. Kay greatly enjoyed the Ladies Circle. She remained active and was currently serving as an Elder. Kay loved her church and especially her pastor.
Kay was blessed with a fabulous circle of girlfriends. Her lively social calendar was always filled with something every single day, no grass ever grew under her feet. These ladies remained close all of their lives. They traveled together, played bridge and shared all of life's challenges. A sisterhood for certain, everyone should be blessed with such dear friends. A friendly extrovert, Kay just loved socializing.
On a beautiful day on December 4, 2004, at the First Presbyterian Church in Monroe Kay married John Martin Gawle. The big wedding was celebrated with all six of their children serving as attendants. This enchanted celebration added John's children John Junior, Theresa, and Scott (Kristie) to the family tree. A new, big family was born that celebrated every holiday together. Eating delicious food, laughing, and playing card games. Every single party was geared for fun and completely devoted to ensuring every single person had a wonderful time. Kay particularly just made each holiday magical, adding all her sparkle.
John and Kay traveled and explored the states together. They started out in an RV and regularly joined families at camp sites for weekend adventure. They traveled from East to West keeping the family updated along the way. They probably had the most fun becoming snowbirds and enjoying the Villages in Florida tooling around on a golf cart. They also had a great time in Arcadia camping and making new friends each season embracing all that Florida had to offer.
Kay spent most of her career at Monroe County Legal Services as the office manager. A job she loved. She especially enjoyed helping the senior population and truly delighted in caring for them. With a mind for numbers, Kay spent many years preparing taxes for people. Her clients grew to be quite numbered, and she always worked right up to the very last day filing away. April 16 was always a good day.
After retirement she joined the Hospital Auxiliary Board and volunteered at the gift shop. In the gift shop she found her home, and such happiness it brought. Retail was her one true love. She was very proud to be part of such a giving group. She made so many new friends and was currently serving on the board. Every day she volunteered; John would join her for lunch at the hospital cafeteria.
Full of grace all the days of her life, charismatic, and always well put together, Kay was called home on Saturday December 9, 2023, after a brave and strong fight. A lasting example of courage that will endure a lifetime, Kay would surely thank all her family and friends for the love, support, and friendship that was given to her- and without doubt, as she enters the gates of heaven she will hear "Well done my dear and faithful servant. Well done!"
Friends may gather for visitation at the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S Telegraph Rd, Monroe, on Wednesday December 13 from 2:00-8:00 PM. A celebration of Life will take place on Thursday December 14 at the First Presbyterian Church of Monroe at 11:00 AM led by Rev. Dr. Doris Chandler. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to the Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Bed Ministry, of the First Presbyterian Church of Monroe, 108 Washington St. Monroe, MI 48161.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .