GRAVELLE, Kay (Young) - It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Kay at Peterborough Regional Health Centre in her 93rd year, on 13 January 2026. Loving spouse of 53 years of Wilf Gravelle (predeceased, 2010). Kay was the proud mother of Chris (Karen) of Consecon, Christine (Terry Fitzgerald) of Douro, Theresa (Brad Dale) of Canmore, AB, Michael (Jessica Robson) of Burlington, Michelle (Sandy Rosen) of Ottawa, Jeannine (Fred Stillman) of Otonabee, and Greg of Almonte. Lovingly remembered by 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Kay is survived by siblings Lorraine (Homer, predeceased), Maureen (Peter Martin), Gene (Sharon), Peter (Esther), and Anne. Also survived by sister-in-law Marlene Young (Michael, predeceased), Bob Kyle (Clara, predeceased), Theresa Maloney (Sudbury), Barb Gravelle (Sault Ste. Marie), and Louise Alexander (Sudbury) and by numerous nieces and nephews. Pre-deceased by her parents, Michael Young and Elizabeth Murphy, of Ennismore; her brother Michael; sisters Clara Kyle and Sister Colleen Young; sister-in-law Bonnie Young; and brother-in-law Homer Moloney. Also predeceased by numerous brothers and sisters-in-law of the Gravelle family. Kay was predeceased by one granddaughter, Sarah Fitzgerald, and one great-grandson, Theo Vanderkloet.

Kay was the oldest of nine siblings. Following in her mother's footsteps, she became a teacher. At the age of 18, Kay taught for two years in the same one-room schoolhouse in Ennismore where her mother had taught. In 1953, Kay's teaching career took her to Sault Ste. Marie, where she taught for three years. There, in 1955, she met Wilf Gravelle when they were both part of an Irish play. After their third date, Wilf decided Kay was the one he would marry. He moved to the Peterborough area in 1956, and Kay's last year of teaching was there before they married in July 1957 and started their family.

In 1965, they purchased a farm. Wilf's trade of meat-cutting soon had him providing services to the local farmers, in addition to farming. Kay was right beside him, wrapping orders as they grew their business. In 1981, they opened their government abattoir. Kay served as administrator, organizing the schedule, contacting customers, and handling the payroll-all on top of wrapping the orders. Together, they built an incredible reputation.

One of Kay's favourite sayings, credited to St. Augustine, was, "He who sings prays twice,"and her true calling was liturgical music. She started providing music for various churches at the age of 16 in Ennismore and learned as she went. She delayed moving out of Ennismore for two years because the parish priests kept asking her to stay. Kay was a member of the Catholic Women's League (CWL) of St. John the Evangelist, Keene, and Our Lady of Assumption for over 60 years and served as president for two years. Kay provided liturgical music in Keene and Assumption parishes for many years, including forming the choir at Assumption. One of her proudest moments was receiving the CWL maple leaf pin for her dedicated service to music. Kay always believed that music made Mass extra special for parishioners, and when Wilf passed on Dec. 24, Kay was at the organ in Keene the next morning, ensuring that the 10:30 Christmas Mass had music.

A favourite family memory is the Gravelle Christmas party, where nobody could open presents until after a rousing singalong, with participation from all generations.

Kay loved her family and was tremendously proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved nature, trees, birds and flowers. Sitting under a tree and enjoying the breeze was a favourite pastime.

Kay had a wonderful sense of style; she loved jewellery and scarves and always looked elegant. She enjoyed cooking and took pride in setting a beautiful table. Her gravy and her tourtières were legendary.

Kay also had a deep love of reading and built up a large and varied personal library.

Another of her favourite sayings was, "Bloom where you're planted", and in the last 20 or so years, while residing at the Cavendish apartment building, that is exactly what she did. She was a steadfast friend to all, and her bingo parties, movie nights and annual Christmas party for neighbours brought joy to everyone.

Faith, family, friends and fun were all woven into the fabric of Kay's life every single day.

Visitation will be held at the DUFFUS FUNERAL HOME, 431 George Street South from 1-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Monday, 19 January 2026. (Parish Prayers 3:45 p.m. Monday). Funeral Mass at ST MARTIN OF TOURS PARISH CHURCH, 513 Ennis Road, Ennismore, on 20 January 2026, at 11 a.m. Burial to follow in at St. Martin's Cemetery immediately following the funeral. In memory of Kay, donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.  The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the many caring doctors and nurses at the PRHC who gave such excellent, compassionate care.