Strayer, Kathryn “Kay” Louise (Piskuric), 90, Mineral Point, PA, joined our Lord on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020 while at Amber Springs Care Center. She passed away from a chronic illness.
Born January 17, 1930 in Johnstown, PA, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Catherine (Stublaric) Piskuric, Johnstown. Kay’s six siblings greeted her at heaven’s gate: sisters Sophie Gojmerac and Margaret Marvicsin; brothers John, Mike, Frank and Joe Piskuric.
Kathryn proudly supported her dear husband Jerry who had served in the navy during the Second World War. The couple were a perfect pair, as Jerry was quiet and soft spoken, while Kay was a fiery spirit. She claims her nature was due to her Croatian/Slavic heritage, and often told stories of her family traditions in the old country. Kay even enjoyed teaching the younger generation a bit of the language.
Mrs. Strayer worked for Toy Ladies as a young adult. Kay kept an immaculate home and always had every detail polished and just so. Her memory was astounding, as she could recall every detail of an event or person’s life. She raised two wonderful children and then lovingly helped to raise two of her grandchildren.
Kay enjoyed giving back to her community and assisted with fundraising efforts by the Jackson Township District 14-J Lion’s Club, where her husband Jerry was club president. She baked goods, made crafts and collected coupons to benefit the local groups and organizations. Kay participated in large community garage sales and donated used goods to charities like St. Vincent de Paul. She also enjoyed assisting with all the preparations for the annual Strayer family reunion, where she gathered with over a hundred family members from near and far.
Kay could often be found crocheting blankets and afghans for her family or doll clothes for special friends. She made beautiful and delicate doilies and always had a new project in the works. She loved to sew and was often found to be working late into the evening on a homemade treasure.
When she wasn’t crafting, you would find Kay in the kitchen cooking up a storm for her loved ones. She was especially known for her glorious holiday meals, mouthwatering cookies, perfectly smooth mashed potatoes, glorious jello desserts, and freezer ready complete meals. There was no delicacy she couldn’t perfect, and she experimented with new recipes often.
In more recent years before moving to Amber Springs, she spent her days doting on her husband and visiting with cherished neighbors Bob and Evelyn Getz, who helped care for the couple daily.
She is survived by son Jerry Thomas Jr. and daughter-in-law Mary Ann (Misoda), Akron, PA; four grandchildren Jason Valazak, Germantown, MD; Jennifer (Valazak), wife of Kurt Hoffman, McMurray, PA; Dr. Theresa Strayer, DPT, Akron, PA; and Lee Strayer, Mineral Point, PA; two great grandchildren Kaylin and Riley Hoffman; and a large extended family including many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 67 years, Jerry Thomas Strayer; daughter Christine Marie (Strayer) and son-in-law Joseph Valazak of Heilwood, PA.
A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements in care of Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., “Exclusive Provider of Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” Condolences may be made at HindmanFuneralHomes.com