Kathleen Joyce “Kay” Jiral
September 4th, 1933 - October 12th, 2024
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Kay's Obituary
Mrs. Kathleen “Kay” Joyce Jiral passed away to be with her Lord on Saturday, October 12, 2024. She passed away peacefully with her husband by her side.
Kay was born on September 4, 1933 to Walter and Marjorie (La Pointe) Simmons in Berwyn, IL. While attending junior college in Illinois, Kay met the love of her life, Raymond Jiral. The two were married on October 9, 1954 and celebrated 70 wonderful years together. They moved to Michigan in 1957 and eventually settled in St. Joseph to raise their family.
Kay was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where she served as a eucharist minister, participated in Bible study groups and even started her own study group. She also dedicated much of her time to Birthright and enjoyed helping others.
Kay enjoyed traveling and exploring new areas. She was able to visit Europe, Australia, and see the glaciers in Alaska as well as the Canadian Rockies. They took family trips around the United States, camped in Ludington, and fished in Canada. When not traveling with her family or friends, Kay enjoyed spending time reading. She was always available to listen to anyone and always had a smile to share.
Kay will always be remembered by her husband, Ray; children, David (Patricia) Jiral, Sandra (Robert) Kelly, and Chuck (Brenda) Jiral; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father and step-mom, Walter and Nell Simmons, mother, Marjorie Simmons, and brother, Walter Simmons Jr.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, October 22 at 10:00 am at SS. John & Bernard Catholic Parish, 555 E. Delaware Ave., Benton Harbor, 49022 with Father John Fleckenstein presiding. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 21 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm with the Rosary prayed at 7:00 pm. Memorial contributions in Kay’s memory may be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Birthright of St. Joseph. Please feel free to share a memory with the family online at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Kay was born on September 4, 1933 to Walter and Marjorie (La Pointe) Simmons in Berwyn, IL. While attending junior college in Illinois, Kay met the love of her life, Raymond Jiral. The two were married on October 9, 1954 and celebrated 70 wonderful years together. They moved to Michigan in 1957 and eventually settled in St. Joseph to raise their family.
Kay was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where she served as a eucharist minister, participated in Bible study groups and even started her own study group. She also dedicated much of her time to Birthright and enjoyed helping others.
Kay enjoyed traveling and exploring new areas. She was able to visit Europe, Australia, and see the glaciers in Alaska as well as the Canadian Rockies. They took family trips around the United States, camped in Ludington, and fished in Canada. When not traveling with her family or friends, Kay enjoyed spending time reading. She was always available to listen to anyone and always had a smile to share.
Kay will always be remembered by her husband, Ray; children, David (Patricia) Jiral, Sandra (Robert) Kelly, and Chuck (Brenda) Jiral; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father and step-mom, Walter and Nell Simmons, mother, Marjorie Simmons, and brother, Walter Simmons Jr.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, October 22 at 10:00 am at SS. John & Bernard Catholic Parish, 555 E. Delaware Ave., Benton Harbor, 49022 with Father John Fleckenstein presiding. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 21 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm with the Rosary prayed at 7:00 pm. Memorial contributions in Kay’s memory may be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Birthright of St. Joseph. Please feel free to share a memory with the family online at www.starks-menchinger.com.
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