Ipswich resident, Katharine Mckemie “Kay” Pearsall passed away peacefully on the morning of December 9th, 2021, at the age of 89.
Kay was born in Wichita Falls, TX, and grew up in Richmond, Virginia. She moved to the northern suburbs of Illinois in her thirties, where she remained until she moved to Ipswich, MA in her 60’s to be closer to family.
Kay was an avid sailor from her teens through her thirties, volunteered helping young children in need, and had a love of the arts. She attended Bradford Junior College in Massachusetts. At age 21 she was married, and she and her husband had three children. She was married again in her thirties where she gained a wonderful stepson.
Kay returned to college as an adult and earned her master’s degree in sociology, after which she studied to be a Montessori teacher and taught young children for several years while raising her own three children. After her teaching career Kay worked in retail for many years. When she retired in Ipswich, she enjoyed teaching English as a Second Language, tutoring children in reading, being an active member of several book clubs, engaging in her sumi-e painting, and hanging with friends and family, among other things.
Those who knew Kay will remember her for her generosity, honesty, and wicked sense of humor. They will remember her love of nature and all things beautiful, as well as her deep concern for the wellbeing of others. She was a force to be reckoned with and left an impression on everyone she met.
Kay is survived by her three children; Rick, Kyle, and Lindsey Williams; their spouses, Spencer Kalker, Gregg Tiller, and Cindy Levin; her stepson, Gilbert Pearsall Jr.; and her three grandchildren, Molly Kalker, and William and Lewis Tiller. She is remembered with immense affection, and deep, deep love.
To light a memorial candle or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.fsrobertsandson.com. Private arrangements were entrusted to F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home of Rowley.
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