Kay Ilett (22 Jan 1916 - 16 Apr 2014)

Kay was born on 22nd January 1916 in Sunderland. She was one of four children born to George and Rennie having three brothers Ray, Tobe and Roly. Unfortunately her mother passed away when she was just ten years old and this was a loss that stayed with her forever.

Kay was very close to her brothers as they all grew up together and later loved to tell stories about the fun that they all had and the freedom they had in those days to roam. She also liked the fact that they brought their friends home and that was how she met Reg. At that time the family lived in Newcastle and this was where she and Reg were married on 11th December 1940. They enjoyed an amazing 59 happy years together.

Kay and Reg had three children, Peter (married to Elaine), Pam (married to John) and Mike (married to Pat). Also six grandchildren, John, Susan, Julie, Claire, Tom and Kevin. And ten great grandchildren. She was a terrific mother and grandmother. Full of fun and energy.

The family took annual holidays to Mablethorpe as this is where Reg’s family were from. Peter joked that they knew every grain of sand on the beach.

Kay was an ambulance driver during the Second World War and this reflected her lifelong love of driving. She loved driving fast, once asking her grandson, who was taking her out for a spin, why he was going so slowly when he was doing 30 in a 30 mile zone.

In mid life she drove for the meals on wheels service. And at the age of 90 she fulfilled her ambition to own a sports car, buying a Vauxhall Tigra. But she couldn’t be persuaded to buy a blonde wig to go with it. The family said that when she went out for a test drive the poor car salesman came back ashen white. He was a brave man going out with Kay.

In her younger years Kay and her bothers were keen tennis players and Kay continued to play into her middle years at the West Bridgford British Legion Tennis Club.

After this she and Reg joined the Radcliffe on Trent Golf Club and Kay became a very keen and quite successful golfer. She was very proud of her trophies but most of all loved the camaraderie, the lasting friendships and, in later years, bridge. Her commitment to the club was rewarded in 1980 when she became the ladies captain and five years later she became President of the club.

Kay has lived in Oak Tree Avenue for the past 43 years. She enjoyed gardening especially in her younger days. She enjoyed pottering around in the garden well into her nineties.

Sadly Reg passed away in 1999.

Apart from a small blip when Kay had a heart valve replacement Kay enjoyed good health and continued playing golf, albeit with the aid of a buggy, up to the age of 90.

Kay loved watching all sport on the television, particularly golf, tennis and snooker. She enjoyed reading romantic novels and crime. and also liked doing jig saw puzzles.

Kay was adventurous and enjoyed new experiences and holidays abroad. Kay was fun to be with and had a lovely dry sense of humour.

She was always well turned out, always smart. She enjoyed a wonderful social life and had a lot of friends.

Kay valued her independence and was initially very reluctant to accept help from carers. However she came to appreciate their kindness, care and compassion. They contributed enormously to enabling Kay to continue living in her own home until her peaceful death surrounded by her children.