Plan for the Future
Kathleen M. “Kay” Poole (née Cronin), 91, of Summit, NJ passed away peacefully on November 19, 2020.
Kay to her many friends, and Nana to her family will be missed terribly – her ever-present smile, and kindness will live on as an everlasting example to her three children and six adoring grandchildren.
Kathleen was born and raised in Medford, MA, the fourth of seven children. Kay met the love of her life, Charlie at the Bal-a-Roue Rollerway in Medford, MA. As the story goes, Kay mentioned to her friend that she ‘liked the looks’ of a young man wearing a reindeer sweater, and a skate was arranged during a Sadie Hawkins segment. A 5-year courtship ensued, which thrived through Charlie’s two years in the Marines and three years at Boston University, and Kay’s 5 brother’s constant teasing. Kay and Charlie were married at St. Clement Church a day after his BU commencement, and the happy couple set off to New Jersey to honeymoon, find an apartment and begin their life together. Kay and Charlie happily skated together until Charlie passed away in 2016.
Kay was proud of her work at IBM in her early married years, before shifting her household contribution to raising three children. A fiercely loyal and loving mother to Brenda, David, and Steven and their spouses Jim Bercaw and Leigh Miller, Nana unequivocally adored and cherished David and Leigh’s daughters Alexandra, Katherine, and Lara, and Steven’s sons (with Kelley) Hunter, Colton and Zachary.
Kay effectively mixed raising her family, with volunteer work (Summit First Aid Squad, Overlook Hospital), recreation (tennis, paddle tennis and volleyball), and bridge. Summer vacations at Lake Winnipesaukee, and winters in Vero Beach were treasured destinations where countless memories were made with family and friends.
Kay enjoyed her final chapter at ‘the home’, as she and friends affectionately called their senior living complex in New Providence, NJ. There, she continued to play bridge with friends, entertain family, travel and even found a kind and loving companion in Tom O’Connor.
Keep smiling, Nana – your example lives on!
