Kay Sylvia (Hancock) Husick

Kay Husick was a stay-at-home mom, but far from the traditional housewife. Kay passed away on Oct. 2, 2024, of preexisting health issues. She was married to her husband Phil for 65 years. Together they raised six children and took care of each other through old age until Phil passed away in 2019.

Kay preferred staying up all night reading or playing video games to dusting and vacuuming. She cooked because her kids needed to be fed, not because she wanted to master the craft. And she certainly never bragged about her baking skills. 

While her peers were keeping house and making their way in the workforce, she chose a different path and dedicated her life to improving children’s lives. When her own children were young, Kay began serving on the PTA and organized fundraisers. Soon after, she was elected to the Sayre School Board where she served for 39 years, including many years as president.  Upon her retirement in 2017, it was estimated that she had attended more than 1000 board meetings and dedicated at least 2,500 hours of volunteer service for the community. Not only had she served on the local school board, but she also served on Pennsylvania state and regional boards. 

Kay didn’t join the school board to lower her taxes or just to ensure that her own children received a good education, although the latter was definitely part of it.  Her involvement came from her earnest belief that a good education was crucial to a child’s development.  Her mission was to improve the public school system and provide as many children as possible with the opportunity to succeed. She understood that a good education system built a stronger community, and she dedicated much of her life toward this goal.  

"For approximately 39 years, Kay Husick has served as a great mentor and role model for countless students, faculty and staff who have passed through the hallways of the Sayre Area School District," said former Superintendent Dr. Sherry Griggs when Kay retired from the board. "Through her selfless attitude and actions, she has made an immense contribution to public education.”Kay was the recipient of many awards and honors, but the one she was most proud of was the WATS/WAVR Individual of the Year 2017 in recognition of outstanding and dedicated service to the community.

After leaving the board, Kay's focus changed from improving the school system to documenting its history. She was one of the driving forces behind the creation of the school archives. She thought it was important for future generations to be able to see everything the students, staff and administration has accomplished over the years.

Kay’s lifelong interest in education likely grew from her insatiable love of books. That’s not to say, she didn’t have other interests. When she was young, she was a good bowler and she certainly enjoyed playing cards and board games. And she loved conversing with her friends. A simple trip to the supermarket might take hours.

But whenever she had a spare moment at home, Kay would read. For decades, she devoured romance novels and, late in life, she became a huge James Patterson fan. Many in her family were strongly influenced by her hobby and became lifelong readers as well.

Her passion for learning inspired her entire family in so many ways. Her son Phil credits her with pushing him to get a college degree when he was resigned to becoming a housepainter like his father.  In fact, four of her children have bachelor’s degrees, as well as three of her grandchildren. Two of her daughters have master’s degrees, while one grandchild has a master’s degree, and another has a doctorate.

Kay was the primary babysitter for all five grandchildren and absolutely adored her five great grandchildren. On some of the bad days near the end, their photos were the only things that made her smile.

Always supportive, Kay encouraged her family regardless of what path they chose. She was the mother and grandmother at every school event. She cheered and supported her family at every turn, through all the good and many of the worst trials of their life. 

Family members, whether four legged or two, were always welcome back to her home, sometimes to the frustration of her husband and their beloved little dog Toby. Kay simply believed her entire family was special and would always help them when she could. 

“My mother thought that we could do anything,” Rich said. “While that certainly wasn’t true, the thing that mattered most to me was that somebody I loved believed in me. That makes you think more highly of yourself and helps you during challenging times.”

After her husband’s death in 2019, Kay’s health slowly declined. During this time, her eldest daughters Lura and Wanda spent countless hours with her, keeping her company and helping her with all her health needs.  

“You could see the love in her eyes when she mentioned one of their names,” Rich said. “She counted on them, and they delivered. She might have not said thank you enough and she certainly did her share of complaining, but they were so important to her, and you could tell she knew how much they cared.”

Kay spent much of the last couple of years playing games on the computer and watching television until she moved into the Sayre Senior Center earlier this year. In the nursing home, she surprisingly showed a renewed interest in group activities. She played bingo, did arts and crafts projects and participated in group sing-alongs despite her declining health. When her youngest daughter Tanya visited on the weekend, they played cards together in the community area.

“It was remarkable how her spirit improved during that time despite how bad she felt,” Rich said. “I think that the mental stimulation and being around people again was important to her. It actually seemed to make her feel better.”

Kay was survived by her children: Lura (Denny) Thomas, Wanda Husick, Robin Ciardi, Philip Husick II, Tanya Husick, and Richard (Laura) Husick. She has five grandchildren: Andrew Ciardi, Derek (Stephanie) Ciardi, Kel (Alix) Thomas-Bossenger, Natalie (William) Schroeder, and Philip (Eszi) Husick III. She has five great grandchildren.

Kay was predeceased by her husband Philip, her mother Katherine Titus Graham, her father Francis Hancock, and her sister and brother-in law Paula (Hancock)and Joseph Roberts.

A special thank you to everyone, especially the Activity Committee, Physical Therapy Department, and Lisa at the Sayre Senior Center for their wonderful work with my mother. You will never know the gratitude and happiness you brought to her.

Honoring Kay's wishes her services will be private.

A monetary scholarship will be granted each year to a graduate of Sayre High School. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kay Husick Scholarship Fund at: First Citizens Bank Atten: Kay Husick Scholarship Fund, 306 W. Lockhart St., Sayre, Pa. 18840

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of The Thomas Cremation and Funeral Service, 1297 Elmira St., Sayre, Pa. Those wishing to leave a sympathy message for Kay's family may do so at thomascremationfuneralservice.com

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