Kay, as she liked to be called, died Saturday, May 12, 2018 at the Serenity House. Kay was born on Dec. 20, 1919 to Joseph Ambrose and Mary Katherine Trabert Lacey in New York City, N.Y.
Kay met the love of her life, Fred, at the West Side YMCA when she was 16. They were married 3 years later on June 10, 1939. Fred left his wife and young son in 1941 to serve in the Navy in England, Wales and Scotland. When Fred left to serve, Kay worked as an usherette for Shubert’s Theatre, again, loving every minute of that time, until his return and for a brief time lived on Elmhurst Long Island, N.Y. Fred was transferred to Statesville, N.C. in April of 1948 with Thonet Furniture Company or North Carolina Furniture Company.
Kay was an avid needleworker--- knitting, sewing, crocheting and quilting. She was constantly working on something and most recently had made hats for the newborn babies at Iredell Memorial Hospital and a number of crocheted lap robes.
Surviving are her three children, Fred G. III.and wife, Caroline of Aiken, S.C., a daughter, Janis Wieland Dodson of Statesville (Johnny Davidson) and a son, Joseph Lacey Wieland (Melinda Hayes). Four grandsons, Eric C. of Lincoln, Nebraska, Thomas L. “T” Dodson, wife, Tanner of Wilmington, N.C., Mark S. Wieland of Columbia, S.C. and Jonathan Wieland (Jon) Dodson of Carrboro, N.C. Three great grandchildren: Tristan, Marceline and Sterling Dodson of Wilmington, N.C. Her companion and devoted little dog, Cori. And friends, Joan Davis and Yoski Carsno.
Kay was one of six children, Joseph, Louise, Thomas, George and Florence, all deceased as well as a lifelong friend, Evelyn Murray. She is survived by a number of nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews and great-great grand nieces and nephews.
A memorial Mass to celebrate Kay’s life will be held at St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church on Friday, May 18, 2018 at 11:30 A.M. with visitation prior to the service at 11:00 A.M. in the church social hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to the Gordon Hospice and Palliative Care, 2341 Simonton Rd., Statesville, N.C. 28625, St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 525 Camden, Road, Statesville, NC 28625 or Serenity House 14108 Stumptown Rd, Huntersville, N.C. 28078. Sincere thanks to the “angels” at Hospice and Serenity House. Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.
Donations may be made to:
Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County2347 Simonton Road, Statesville NC 28625St. Philip The Apostle Catholic Church525 Camden Dr., Statesville NC 28677Serenity House14108 Stumpown Rd., Huntersville NC 28078