Kay Marie Starr

Kay Marie Starr, a long-time resident of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, went to be with her Lord and

Savior on Wednesday, March 11th, 2020. She was in the care of Lovelace Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family and caring medical staff when she passed.

Kay was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa on December 16, 1936 to Dorothy K. Keefe and Ralph C. Bellows. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy Keefe and Ralph Bellows, Stepdad Bill Bell, Stepbrother Ronald Bell, previous husband James Lynn Starr, and son-in-law Joseph M. Lueck.

Kay graduated from St. Vincent’s Academy High School in Albuquerque, NM. She acquired her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, OH.

Left to cherish her memories are her three children, Kathryn Starr of Rochester Hills, MI, Ronald Starr (Pam) of Clawson, MI and Jacque S. Newman (Tony) of Albuquerque, NM.  Kay had six grandchildren; Andrew Tyson (Irene) of Boston, MA, Brandon James (Tara, expecting 1st great grandchild in May 2020) of Lakewood, CO, Dominic McKenzie of Honolulu, HI, and Joshua Lee (Candice) of Shreveport, LA; Ashley Starr and Stephen Daniel of Albuquerque, NM. She leaves behind her beloved cat Beauty; Grandcats Apollo, Roo, and Verde; Granddogs Charlie, Archie, and Edith and a Grandbird, Shugar.  She will be dearly missed by these and her countless local and distant friends!  Her love for each was immeasurable!

Prior to teaching in Albuquerque’s Educational Catholic School systems, she served students in Lubbock, TX at St. Elizabeth’s (K-6) from 1968 to 1976 and at St. John Berchmann’s in Shreveport, LA from 1976 – 1978. She taught all subjects including math, science, English and accelerated classes.  Kay volunteered 5000+ hours as a Youth Volunteer Coordinator at St. Mary of the Plains Hospital in Lubbock from 1968 through 1976. She managed and trained 250 volunteers and coordinated their schedules in all areas of service including in the Emergency Room to serve incoming patients, various patient floor services and the Gift Shop.  Kay initiated the development and implementation of a hospital book cart. She served as a liaison between patient family members and medical doctors.

From 1982 to 1997, Kay was a full-time Marketing Associate for Harris Publishing Co., Inc. in Albuquerque, NM. She verified personal, professional and academic information for alumni and members of prep schools, colleges, universities and membership organizations throughout the United States and Canada. She provided exemplary customer support with excellent skills for problem resolution. She utilized persuasive marketing techniques to exceed company sales goals. She later worked in the Sprint Call Center for almost 10 years before returning to substitute teaching.

Kay taught Pre-K through 8th grade at numerous local Catholic Schools over the past 16 years and even up through January 2020! These include St. Therese, Queen of Heaven, St. Mary’s, Annunciation, Assumption, Holy Ghost, and San Felipe. She was an advocate for the Association of Teacher Educators.

Kay was an exceptional Lady, always eager to help! She blessed family and friends with birthday, holiday, and prayer cards with kind and supportive thoughts of friendship and love. She loved all of God’s creatures and was an Animal Advocate donating to organizations such as Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah and other Save the Animals groups.  She rescued many cats and dogs in her lifetime. She was an avid reader and had an adventurous spirit. She loved the Harry Potter series and any Cat Mystery or Animal Story.  She enjoyed train rides and travel in the states.  Some of her favorite adventures were visiting Animal Kingdom, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Sea World Discovery Cove to swim with the dolphins and sting rays, and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary to volunteer with cats, dogs, bunnies, horses and pigs!

Kay was amazing, smart, witty, kind and generous to the extreme. She will be deeply missed by those blessed to have known and loved her.

Kay Starr's Rosary & Funeral Services:

A Rosary will be recited on Monday, March 16, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. at Daniel’s Family Funeral Services – Strong-Thorne Chapel at 1100 Coal Ave SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106.

It will be co-officiated by Deacon Michael Illerbrun of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (husband of dear friend Donna Illerbrun- St. Therese's School Principal) and longtime family friend Deacon John Rasinski of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Parish.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at the Shrine of the Little Flower Saint Therese of the Infant Jesus Parish at 3424 Fourth St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107.  Family friend Father Vincent Paul Chavez will officiate.  Interment will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery at 1900 Edith Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 and a luncheon will follow at St. Therese Parish Hall, 212 Mildred NW (east of the Church & Rectory). All are welcome to come enjoy some of her favorite foods and share memories of our Beloved Mom, Kay Starr.