Kay Francis Hendrickson Tucci Olszewski, age 71, of 24435 Hwy 408, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403. A lifelong resident of Cambridge Springs, Kay was born on March 9, 1939 and was the daughter of Edward and Francis May Hendrickson. Kay was married on June 21, 1980 to her loving husband and companion, Leo Olszewski.
Kay was truly an amazing mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt and friend. Known by her great grandson, Tino, simply as “Great-Mother”.
Kay adored flowers and was an avid gardener who belonged to the Cambridge Springs Garden Club. Strangers would sometimes stop while she was working in the yard and tell her how beautiful her flowers were. Kay was also known for taking many photos. Her children often referred to her affectionately as “Kodak Kay”. She leaves behind many dozens of photo albums full of memories for her loved ones. Kay also liked to collect Cobalt blue glass and never passed up a garage sale.
She loved the water and spent many winter months over the years in Florida on the beach with her beloved husband Leo. They also had a summer place on Lake Erie where she enjoyed walking along the shore collecting drift glass, building bonfires and watching sunsets. When her grandchildren Devon and Dillan were little, they named Lake Erie “Big Water Wow”, which it will forever now be known.
She doted on her grandchildren whom she loved dearly and who adored everything about her. Some of her favorite things to do with them as they were growing up were playing miniature golf, flying kites, blowing bubbles, trading knock-knock jokes and other riddles, sled riding and making snow angels. She always remained a child at heart.
She never failed to send a greeting card to friends and family members for birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. (She may have been solely responsible for keeping Hallmark in business.)
Most people are lucky in life if they have one best friend, Kay had many, many, “best” friends-JoAnn Kolin, Janet O’Sullivan, Lorraine Fosburg, Maxine Green, Linda Bogda, Elsamae Bundy, Betty Hamilton, Toni Thomas, Nita Tyner, Judy Novak, Joan Angelo, Nancy Farkos, Alice Hale, Judy Lewis, Lillian Lenhart, Sis (many are friends of 40 years and more.)
Although she enjoyed all holidays, Christmas was her absolute favorite. She baked a huge variety of cookies making sure everyone got their favorite kind. She was especially famous for her hard candy. Decorating cookies with her was a holiday tradition for her nieces and grandchildren.
Kay was preceded in love and peace by brothers Gene and Alan and sister Sylvia. Kay is survived by brothers Guy and wife Lorene Hendrickson of Leavenworth, IN and Ed and wife Vicki Hendrickson of Cambridge Springs, PA
Kay leaves behind son Steven and wife Kathleen Nowak-Tucci and grandchildren Genevieve and Tyler Tucci of Atmore, AL. Leo and wife Debby Olszewski, and grandsons Leo and his wife Rachel, and David and his finance Gail Hunt, all of Cambridge Springs, PA. Daughter Beth Tucci-Butler and husband Richard and grandchildren Devon and Dillan of Pittsburgh, PA. Daughter Susan and husband Fernando Medina of Dallas, TX. Gary Olszewski and wife Diane, of Cambridge Springs, PA. Son Michael and Kim Tucci of Venango, PA; Janell Tucci of Pittsburgh, PA and grandchildren Stephen May of Grove City, PA, Lia, of Colorado Springs, CO, Tiara and Michael II, of Venango, PA. And one great-grandson, Santino Tucci, of Colorado Springs, CO. Marilyn Shorts-Dine (who was like a daughter to her) and husband John and their children Cindy Marie and Brenda Sue who called her Grandma Kay.
Family and friends are invited to call Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 at Van Matre Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs. In lieu of flowers and to help celebrate Kay’s love of Christmas, the family asks that you bring an ornament to hang on the Christmas tree when you come for visitation. Funeral services will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church of Cambridge Springs on Thursday at 11:00 a. m. with Reverend David Poulson, pastor of the Church officiating. Burial will be in Venango Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Hospice of Crawford County, 448 Pine Street, Meadville, PA 16335 or Helping Hands of Cambridge Springs, % Jay Aklin, 125 Prospect Street, Cambridge Springs, PA 16413.
Leo & Family,
Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Please accept our most sincere sympathy of the loss of Kay.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
I was so sorry to hear of Kay’s passing. I remember her fondly from the summer days at the Riverside Inn pool 1974-1976. She was a sweet and kind woman. My mother, Rose French, adored Kay. Her family and Cambridge Springs have lost a great lady, but we all have our memories.
Kevin French
Anchorage Alaska
Family,
We are sorry to hear about Kay’s passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers go to your entire family in your time of grieving. Kay was a wonderful women and will be truly missed.
Our sincerest sympathy to the family for your loss.
To the Henderson, Tucci & Olszewski families:
I am so sorry to hear of Kay’s death. I really liked her. She was such a fun person. I enjoyed our occasional talks.
What a beautiful and unique obituary, too.
My thoughts and prayers are will you all at this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Kay’s passing. We will miss her immensely. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Kay was always such a positive person and I will miss visiting with her and sharing stories of family and the days at the store in Sheakleyville.
Matt and family.
Sue and family,
Sending my prayers in remembrance of your Mom. I remember your Mom’s kindness, smile, and jovial personality whenever we would stop by your home during our high school days and in the early 80s. She had such a wonderful outlook on life. Cambridge Springs will never be the same.
I am so sorry to hear of Kay’s passing. I so looked forward to her Christmas card each year with all the updates of the family. She was such a witty and kind person.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
“Batch” Deb