Katherine (Kay) Baron died on April 9, 2021 at the age of 70 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Born in Jersey City, New Jersey on May 5, 1950 to Edward and Ella (Qualters) Kenny, Kay was raised by close family after her parents and grandmother died. It was an experience that created life-long bonds with her cousins across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
After graduating nursing school in Pennsylvania, Kay lived abroad in Germany before returning to the US, serving for a year as a Vista Volunteer, and then moving to Tucson, Arizona when she was 26 years old.
While in Tucson, Kay worked as an Emergency Room nurse and trained paramedics before moving to Phoenix. She spent many years as an AirVac flight nurse before she met the love of her life and future husband Robert (Bob) Baron, an emergency room physician.
After retiring from full-time nursing, Kay raised two beautiful daughters in the Arcadia area of Phoenix. In addition to dedicating countless hours to her children, she was involved in multiple local non-profit and service organizations, including helping to start a local Chapter of the National Charity League. Kay also continued her dedication to nursing by getting her Masters of Nursing degree.
Later in life, Kay’s favorite activities included spending time with her granddaughters, listening to the desert rain and using her special talent of talking with many friends and family. She is survived by Bob, her husband of 37 years, her daughters Alexis and Lindsey (Evan), as well as two granddaughters, Marcella and Madeline.
A Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, April 16, 2021 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E Indian School Rd. in Phoenix, with a maximum of 50 people in the building at a time.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday April 17, 2021 at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 E Thomas Rd. in Phoenix, with a maximum of 250 attendants. Both events are open to all friends and family.
Please be considerate of COVID-19 precautions, especially if you are not fully vaccinated. The worst thing we could all do is get sick or sicken someone else while celebrating the life of Kay.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Vincent de Paul (www.stvincentdepaul.net/give) or Hospice of the Valley (https://hov.org/donate). Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Sally Killian
Dear Dr. Bob and Family,
We were so sorry to hear about Kay. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We enjoyed the many times we were able to get together during holidays. Kay will be missed.
Chuck and Sally Killian
Joan S Garrett
Dear Bob and Family,
My sincerest sympathy for the loss of Kay. She was always the “light in the room” as well a great nurse!
Joan and Frank Garrett
Tom Houlihan
Bob,
I was very saddened to hear of Kay’s passing, and wish you endless peace, comfort, support and friendship. I’m sure you and your family will enjoy the many smiles and laughs as you recall, and hold dear, a life well lived.
Blessings,
Tom, Gen and Emily Houlihan
William Bayless
Dr. Bob Baron, I was so saddened to hear of Kays passing. Please accept my condolences.
Rich & Marian
BOB & FAMILY, You are in our prayers during this heartbreaking and sorrowful time. Kay is now in a better place among God’s. Her sufferings on earth are over and will be waiting to greet each of us when our time here on earth is over. God Bless all !!!!!
Sandi Lough
Bob, Alexis and Lindsey,
We were saddened to learn of Kay’s passing. We remember her as a warm, caring, and funny lady. Maybe it was because she was always smiling. Our thoughts and prayers to your family as you heal from your loss.
Kim, Sandi, Garrett and Stephanie Lough
The Macchiarolis
Bob, Alexis and Lindsey,
We were extremely saddened to learn this week of Kay’s passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May your fond memories lift you up during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers strength and peace are with you all. God bless!
Love and hugs,
Holly and Jim Macchiaroli
Lynn Browne-Wagner
I was so sorry to hear the news of Kay’s passing. It was my pleasure to have worked with her, for several years, at AirEvac. She was a excellent mentor and practitioner.
My heartfelt empathy to you, Bob, and your family. I am sorry I was unable to attend her service.