Katherine “Kay” Lee Patterson
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Memorial services for Katherine “Kay” Lee Patterson, 35, Lawrence, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 15, 2021 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Kay passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at her home. Please be aware that due to COVID-19 and safety precautions, we are asking her loved ones to please respect and comply with social distancing and must wear a mask.
Katherine L. Patterson was born on June 15, 1985 in Hiratsuka, Japan, the daughter of William and Kumiyo (Hara) Patterson, the youngest of three sisters where she grew up speaking Japanese as her first language. When she was 6 and a half years old, her family moved to Lawrence KS where she attended Hillcrest Elementary School. This school was a start to her blossoming journey as she attended the ESL program, meeting many friends from all walks of life, all around the world. Kay enjoyed music and dance as she grew up playing the piano, classical ballet and cello. At Southwest Junior High School she continued playing in the school orchestra. Kay expanded her passion of music and joined the Lawrence Children’s Choir on their Carnegie Hall trip. Throughout her years at Lawrence High school, she continued on her musical journey as a member of the orchestra and choir. As member of the Plymouth congregational Church, Kay also ventured into being a member of their bell choir. She attended JCCC and received an Associate Degree in culinary arts
Later in life Kay found joy and fulfillment in being a mother and raising her son Shaydon.
She passed on January 2, after an illness. Her first child Shakeilee preceded her in death. She leaves behind her son Shaydon who was the love of her life, her sisters Mina and Aya and her parents Bill and Kumi. Her caring, nurturing personality with her bright smile and contagious laugh will be dearly missed.
Kay loved to travel in her native Japan, the USA and Europe throughout her life and we ask all who knew her to wish her well on her spiritual journey.
Memorial contributions may be made in Kay’s name to her son, Shaydon Takeshi Folsom-Patterson. Make check payable to William D. Patterson, money will be for Katherine’s Son and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Our hearts go out to you at this tragic news. Sending all positive thoughts your way during this worst of all possible times. Love to all the Patterson family.
Kay’s dad, Bill, is my oldest friend since childhood. I cannot imagine the pain your family has endured. I offer my support and prayers for the entire family. You will endure and be strong to raise Kay’s young child.
Love you all,
Bob
Thinking of you, Kumi, Bill, Aya, and Mina during this sad time. We love you and send warm hugs to each of you. We have so many sweet memories of Kay and recall her accomplishments as a musician and ballet dancer. What a delightful youngster. We sure had fun, didn’t we? Wishing you peace and healing.
Susie
Thinking of your whole family & sending my love. My heart breaks to hear of beautiful, sweet Kei’s passing. Kei & I worked together in college in Lawrence & became close. We hadn’t seen eachother in so long but just spoke in October. She was one of my bridesmaids. Kei had an infectious laugh & personality that could light up any room. She will be dearly missed & praying for peace & comfort for you all.
Kay was smart, beautiful, fun, warm and genuine. She loved to makes other smile and her spirit was so bright. She is missed by so many. Sending love, hugs, and prayers to her family and to all those her knew her, loved her and called her a friend.
Kei was a delight to be around. Being in many dance classes together was a highlight of my childhood. Her wonderful sense of humor and kind heart made all of us flock to her. She will be missed. Kumi,Bill,Aya and Mina you’ll be in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to your family.
All my condolences and love to the Patterson family. Thinking of each of you.
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family Kumi. You are in our thoughts.
Sending all my love to you at this difficult time. Kay was a really nice person from a wonderful family.
Our deepest sympathies to the family of Kay. We had only met her a couple of times. Praying for the family. Shaydon is our nephew. We are praying for all the family. Thoughts and Prayers
I will be praying for Kay and her son Shaydon. Our family watched Kay as she grew up. We chatted when I would see her when she visited her parents. I was shocked to hear that she passed away. I cannot imagine the incredible amount of sadness that you all are feeling. My heart goes out to you Bill, Kumi, Mina, and Aya. I will say prayers for you . Peace be with you and may you receive God’s comfort for now and evermore.
Kay was the first person I met when I moved to Lawrence. We became fast friends as we were both the new kids in school… we remained friends until adulthood because she was just an amazing person all around. Always so caring, her family so welcoming. I’m going to miss her so much. My heart goes out to the family during this difficult time.
Dear Kumi & Bill, Aya & Mina,
I am so sorry to hear this very sad news. My heart is with you.
Kay was one of my favorite parts about growing up at Hillcrest, Southwest, and Lawrence High. She had a wonderful smile and always made a point to treat everyone better than they deserved. She will be missed by everyone that met her. I am so sorry for your loss and will always cherish the memories that we shared.
Our condolences to each of you in the family. We knew Kay from the SWJH school. We will always remember her warm, beautiful smile. Will pray that you all find some strength and peace at this difficult time
Mishra Family
Dear Patterson family,
My heartfelt condolences to all of you. I knew Kay through my son Rio. She always had a smile on her face and could make people laugh. She loved to share her Japanese cuisine with Rio. For both of them the more spicy hot the better. I know she is in God’s hands and no longer suffering.
She will be in our thoughts and prayers. May the fond memories of her keep her spirit alive. Prayers to your family.
I met Kay at Hillcrest and and she was ALWAYS smiling, and a friend to everyone. She is truly one of the kindest people I have ever met in my life! She will be missed but NEVER forgotten. Prayers for her son and whole family.
Kumi and Bill,
We are so saddened to hear about Kay. Sending hugs and prayers for comfort during this difficult time to you are your family.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you upon the terrible loss of your daughter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bill and Kumi. I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family at this time.
Lynne Maples
Dave & Jean Holthaus
We are very sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter. We pray for the family and offer our condolences .
You are special people and no doubt raised a beautiful daughter.
God bless you.
As God-parents to Kay, we felt a special bond to her beautiful soul. Though her life was far too short, she loved and touched many people including her beloved son, family and friends. In return she is much loved. We wish the best for Kay in her spiritual journey and for her family and friends to know how many lives Kay impacted.
Peace,
Mary & Marshall
I met Kay in 7th grade, at Southwest. She started calling me Carrots (because I have red hair), so I called her Peas. We quickly became inseparable- Kay was my best friend. She was fun and funny, always up for anything, had awesome style ( I always copied her crazy style and borrowed her clothes), and was kind to everyone- she was such an example to me in that. Loved that girl and thankful to have known her. Praying for her family- I’m so sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry to hear about Kei and wish to express my condolences to Kumi, Bill, Mina & Aya and Shaydon. I can’t imagine how difficult this time must be for you all, and send you love and healing energy at this time.
Kay was such a ray of sunshine. We met in high school and became instant beat friends! I will forever cherish all of our fun memories & many laughs. My thoughts go out to her family. She will be greatly missed.
We are so sorry for your family’s loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.
Bob and Margie Feldkamp
Gifts of life given and those taken away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Kay had such a beautiful soul and smile.. I first met Kay thru her sister Aya during my time at Kansas University. I always love Kays hugs, she was special. My heart goes out to the family and especially her son.. May God rest her soul. My Love goes out to the Family.
Bill, Kumi, Mina and Aya – Please accept our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy and know our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the wonderful memories of Kay comfort you and bring you peace.
Sending my deepest condolences from my family to yours.
Jordan Family
Kay was an amazing person that I was incredibly fortunate to have had in my life. She knew had to make me laugh in a terrible weights class we took at JCCC and she was always available to talk if it was needed. She cared about how people felt even if she barely knew them. She was just a great person and even better friend. My thoughts are with you all!
Kay was SO funny and loving. She had a great laugh and you couldn’t help but smile when you were in her presence. I have such great memories with her throughout most of my life. She was a wonderful person, always so kind and caring and was there for you whenever you needed her. She was such an amazing friend. She will be missed by so many. Bill, Kumi, Aya and Mina, I’m so sorry for your loss.
Dear Shaydon
Bill, Kumi, Mina, Aya,
January 15, 2021
Learning of Kay’s passing leaves us numb. Words cannot express our surprise and profound grief. We have so many precious memories which will remain in our prayers for ever.
We wish we could be with you this afternoon.
Love and condolences,
John & Mary Jean Barelli
Phoenix, Arizona
We are so very sorry about Kay’s passing. We hope that you are comforted by good memories and the many people who share your sadness as your grieve.
Kay was always nice and was such a joy. I am very sorry for the families loss. Prayers and Condolences to the family and everyone who knew her.
In the toughest of times I send my arms to wrap you with love and my prayers to accompany Kay as she transcends into the afterlife. -Mikey
Dear Patterson Family,
As we told you, we were sorry we could not be with you today, but we watched the service. Elizabeth’s Ike was born 7/7/2017 so your grandson and ours are about 3 weeks apart. Hopefully, when Elizabeth and Jess are home this summer, depending on COVID, she hopes Shaydon can come down and swim with Ike like she and Kay used to swim together. Again our hearts go out to you.
Kei was one of my very first friends in Lawrence when I went to KU. Her outgoing, fun, sweet and humorous personality made it so easy for anyone to be friends with her! Even more, she was so always so supportive, caring, and kind. Kei and I became close and she helped opened doors to more important relationships in my life. We shared a love for food, and boba tea – we hadn’t talked in so long but she reached out a few years back saying we needed to get together to catch up over boba tea. I so wish we could have made this happen. Kei is so special and I will miss her and think about her always. To her family – I’m so sorry for your loss.
Bill,Kumi, Mina & Aya,
My heart breaks for you all. It seems like yesterday that we were having lunch at Panda Garden together after church. I have such sweet memories with your wonderful family. Kay was a beautiful soul and such a joy to be around. Sending all my love, Debbie (Slack) Wohlers
Kay was a wonderful friend who lit up every room. I spent the majority of my time with her laughing. I have countless great memories with Kay. I’m sorry for her families loss. Sending prayers!