Kay Westlund Obituary, Death – Kay Westlund Has Sadly Passed Away. Kay Ellen Westlund (Walsh), 64, passed away April 26, 2023 from pancreatic cancer at Meng Unity Hospice. Kay was born March 12, 1959 in Appleton, Wisconsin. She spent her childhood in Appleton, Wisconsin and enjoyed summers with her family in Waupaca, Wisconsin. Kay graduated from Appleton West High School in 1977.
Kay’s biggest joy was being a mother to her three sons, Brent, Branden and Taylor. From a young age, Kay dreamed of being a Mom. Kay loved being involved in every aspect of the lives of her children. She was their biggest fan and cheered them on through all sporting events and life events as they grew up. Kay was a friend to everyone she met. When her boys were young, they would grocery shop with the goal of getting Kay through the store without chatting with anyone.
They would often joke, they could see the checkout lines and were almost home free – until she would run into someone and stop to chat. Kay was also a dedicated employee. She started her journey at Shopko Optical where she met her dear friend Karen Knox. Kay later worked at Liberty Title where she fostered many additional friendships. Most recently, Kay was employed by Northwestern Mutual. Northwestern Mutual also provided Kay with many close friends including Kyle Vander Loop.
Kay is survived by her three sons – Brent (Jami) Westlund, Branden (Macy) Westlund and Taylor (Brittany Bechard) Westlund. She has three grandchildren – Lilly, Noah and Henry Westlund. To her grandchildren and many others, Kay is known as Grandma Sparkles. Though she joked the name was for her sparkling personality, those that know her understand that she truly left a sparkle everywhere she went. Her sparkle has had a lasting impact on everyone she knew and loved.
Though her cancer journey provided many challenges, pain and dark days, she sparkled until the end. We know she will continue to sparkle in our hearts and memories for all the years to come. Services for Kay will take place on June 10 at 11 am Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Kay wishes to have donations made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. The family would especially like to thank the Bellin Health Cancer Team, Kay’s “dream team” lung drain team at Bellin and the Unity Hospice team.
