Middleburgh- Kathleen "Kay" Parker, 92, of Windy Ridge Farm, a life-long resident of the Middleburgh area, died Sunday, December 24, 2017 at St. Peter's Hospice Inn in Albany, surrounded by her loving family.

Kay was born on September 2, 1925 in Middleburgh, to Hilda (Cotton) and Sheridan Palmer, on the farm that she loved dearly.

She graduated from Middleburgh Central School and was an army nurse during WWII.   For many years afterward, she was a dedicated childcare provider and farmer.  Later in life she also worked in her daughter's Cobleskill store, the Good Health Center.

Kathleen's greatest joy came from entertaining family and friends. In the evenings, she was often found at her kitchen table playing dominoes and cards or reading the latest John Grisham novel. Though petite, she was the rock of her ever-growing family, and her quick wit and love for stories will be greatly missed.

Kay's favorite saying was the Irish Blessing: May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face and rains fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

She was predeceased by her husband: Francis "Bucky" Parker and their daughter: Lorene "Cookie" Duncan.

Kay's family will always carry her memory in their hearts and includes her five children: Francis "Rusty" (Donna) Parker, Jr; Michael (Kathleen) Parker, Christopher Parker (Laurice Ghougasian), Kelly (Lira) Parker and Tina (Daniel) Parker; 38 grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren who brought her great joy and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law: Josephine Palmer and Marilyn Bradt.

A funeral service will be held at 3PM on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC, 134 River Street, Middleburgh with David Houck officiating.  All are invited to a visitation from 1-3PM on Saturday, prior to the funeral service.  Spring interment will be in Middleburgh Cemetery.

Kay's family requests that memorial contributions in her memory be sent to Middleburgh Emergency Volunteer Ambulance Corps, PO Box 817, Middleburgh, NY 12122