Some Words to Help Us Rember

Memorial Service for Michele Kay
Queen of Peace Chapel at St. Edward’s University
April 2, 2011

Some Words to Help Us Remember
Louis T. Brusatti

We gather today to remember:

The five-foot-tall fireball who hitchhiked across India and Europe as a teenager…

The woman with the forty year journalism career that took her to all parts of the world…

Her no-nonsense intensity and never-ending curiosity that made her a formidable and dependable journalist…

Her war correspondent mentality emerging from her time in Vietnam…

The woman who continued to re-invent herself time and time again—be it journalism, politics, student and ultimately professor.

She spent her life on the mountain, bringing rich food and choice wine to the New Jerusalem.

We Remember:

Her time at St. Edward’s University—as an undergraduate and then graduate student and finally a professor…

Her work with the Hilltop Views—moving it from Student Life into the School of Humanities, from a rather amateurish to a professional publication…

Her commitment to the creation of a journalism minor and a true teaching laboratory for Hilltop Views…

Her regular camping in my office with a list of demands—she never really called them demands, just very urgent requests and needs if we are going to succeed…

Her intensity in the face of conflict with any of us…

Her genuine interest in her students


We remember:

That infectious smile and impish laugh—who could ever forget them? Those piercing eyes shooting forth questions and making comments.

That her home was open to all. There was a place for everyone at her table—there is that wonderful picture of her “stirring the pot” at a dinner she prepared for her students.

That her life was filled with love—Robert, her two children and five grandchildren. There was such excitement in her voice when she talked of the grandkids.

That her life was filled with good friends and admiring colleagues… The last time we had lunch we went to The Tree House—it’s quiet—with some colleagues from St. Edward’s and the Writers’ League. The conversation was animated and filled with stories and life.

That her cancer would not take over her life. She continued to live as determined and independent for as long as she could.

A dedicated journalist,
a woman of passion and deep belief,
an inspiring teacher and mentor,
a determined colleague, and loving friend,
a loving wife and mother and grandmother.

Michele was about calling forth the best in each of us with a drive and focus.

In a few moments we will hear from others in her life who will help us continue our process of memory.