Katherine “Kay” Ann Wakefield, 79, of Middlesex Township, passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 10, 2021, at the Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Kay was born Oct. 23, 1941, in Phillips, Texas, and was the daughter of the late Hanford H. and the late Virginia M. Stirling.

Kay married Kenneth C. Wakefield on Feb. 1, 1964, at Glade Run United Presbyterian Church in Middlesex Township.

Kay graduated from Mars High School in 1959. She graduated from the Providence Hospital School of Nursing in Beaver Falls in June 1962. Kay earned the degree of Bachelor of Science in nursing from Slippery Rock State College in 1979. She also earned the degree of Master of Science in human resource management from La Roche College in 1986.

Kay worked her professional career at many private hospitals and with the Veterans Administration. She retired in December 1998 from the VA Medical Center in Butler, where she had served as the nurse manager of out-patient clinics.

Kay enjoyed traveling with her husband in their motor home, tending to her flower gardens and her many pets that passed through her life. She was an avid reader, and enjoyed books about politics and unsolved crimes. Kay also donated frequently to animal rights, humane shelters and wildlife organizations.

In addition to her husband, Kay is survived by two brothers, John H. Stirling and his wife, Linda, of Grove City, and Brian W. Stirling and his wife, Pat, of Harmony; and her sister, Royene Strazisar of Angier, N.C.

She is also survived by a nephew and a niece.

WAKEFIELD — Cremation services for Katherine “Kay” Ann Wakefield, who died Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, were handled by Grand Strand Funeral Home and Crematory, Murrells Inlet, S.C.

Local arrangements are under the direction of McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home in Mars.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Contributions in her memory can be made to the Butler County Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Road, Renfrew.

Directions and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.