Kay Smith

Katherine "Kay" Jarrett Smith, 88, of Cary/McHenry, Illinois, passed away July 12, 2026 with her three children holding her hands. She was greeted in heaven by her husband James Smith, who preceded her in death in 2002. She was born May 23, 1938, in Rockford, Illinois, to Margaret and Jim Jarrett.

Katherine was a devoted Registered Nurse, starting at Rockford Memorial Hospital, then in obstetrics at Northern Illinois Medical Center in McHenry, and later at Bush School in Johnsburg.

Her caring extended far beyond her career — she served as President of the Cary Grove Blood Group for many years and chaired three bazaars at Cary United Methodist Church, where she was a longtime member. She served as Secretary and Board Member of the Timber Trails Condo Association, and founded the "Timber Tootsies," a warm gathering of neighbors — mostly widows and women living alone — who came together for monthly luncheons she loved hosting.

Kay was always learning something new: photography, miniatures, flower arranging, genealogy, and quilting. Quilting was a full-time passion — spending weekends with friends traveling to find just the right piece of fabric for a new project, creating quilts for those she loved, and, when she was no longer able to quilt herself, donating her materials to local schools.

Kay was rarely seen without a camera in hand, capturing countless memories. Her photographs were often featured in the Northwest Herald.

She loved cheering on her children and grandchildren at sporting and musical events, and nothing meant more to her than having her family close. Even in her final days, Kay was making sure there was always something to serve the friends who came to visit.

Kay was a favorite among the neighborhood dogs, who knew they could always count on her for scritches and treats. At home, her beloved cat, Nellie, was a constant source of warmth and companionship.

Kay is survived by her children Tracy Smith Campbell (Glenn), Julie Smith, and Dan Smith (Carlen); her grandchildren Dillon (Nikki), Ian (Ashley), Ryan, AJ, and Abby; and her sister, Sue Martinetti (the late Donald).

A visitation and service will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 9 AM until the funeral service at 11:30 AM at Davenport. Burial will follow at Windridge Memorial Park in Cary, Illinois, beside her husband.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Purrfect Cat Rescue, 318 S Illinois Rte 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60012, Donate Online