Kay L. Joseph of Essex, MA died Wednesday, August 12th after a sudden illness. She was 80.
She was the beloved daughter of the late Roland T and Eleanor P (Peterson) Joseph. She was the loving sister of brother Ronald E. Joseph and his wife Alice of CT and the late Robert T Joseph and Ralph P Joseph. She is also survived by her nephews Jason Joseph, Adam Joseph and John Joseph and nieces Kelley Allen, Tracey Trombley and Shannon Anthis, several grand-nieces and nephews and a wide circle of dear friends.
Kay was a graduate of Gloucester High School and retired from a career at what is now Bank of America.
Kay was a proud lifelong Essex resident and longtime dedicated volunteer for the seniors of Essex. Kay served in a variety of roles, including as Chair of the Board of the Essex Council on Aging, Treasurer of the Friends of the Essex Council on Aging, and Treasurer of the Essex Senior Citizens Club. Kay provided important historical perspective and boundless energy in supporting programs and events for all to enjoy and benefit. Her contributions to the seniors of Essex have been extraordinary and she will be deeply missed.
Kay loved her two horses, Oreo and Jem and was an active Essex County Trail Association member for forty years, first joining in the 1980s. Throughout the decades, she served as a Trail Steward and generously volunteered at countless ECTA events. Most notably, Kay organized and ran their annual Equine Expo & Tack Sale for 31 years, shaping it into a vital fundraiser and community tradition. Kay also volunteered throughout the North Shore equestrian community, running horse shows for the Rowley Riding and Driving Club and helping West Newbury Riding and Driving Club at their annual Pipestave Horse Trials.
Kay was also a long-standing board member and trusted treasurer of the Noth Shore Horticultural Society where she assisted with programs, dinners and events. She attended all meetings and any event that was planned. Her love of horses, gardens, dining out and close friends will be remembered by many.
A true force of nature, Kay was straightforward, competent, efficient, incredibly hardworking, and never one to seek the limelight. She was a steadfast volunteer, an exceptional event organizer, and a dear friend who will be deeply missed by many. The various groups she was involved with will miss her capable talents and her commitment to each organization she helped in so many ways.
There will be a graveside service at the Spring Street Cemetery, Essex MA on Wednesday August 26th at 1PM for family and close friends. A celebration of life will take place at the Essex Town Hall, 3rd floor on Thursday, September 3rd from 3PM to 5PM. Contributions in Kays memory can be made to the Friends of the Essex Council on Aging. Arrangements by the Campbell Funeral home, Ipswich MA. www.cambellfuneral.com
