Kathleen Ann Salazar

Kay Salazar, native of West Branch, formerly of Lake Odessa, MI, passed away unexpectedly in the early morning hours of January 17, 2021 at MidMichigan Medical Center in West Branch.

Kay was born in West Branch, MI on February 21, 1950 to Jack and Dorothy Hammond. She graduated from West Branch High School in 1968 and attended Central Michigan University. She worked many years at Taylor Door in West Branch and then for the State of Michigan as an MIOSHA supervisor in the Lansing area. She was very involved in her community in many capacities. She was an avid union member, holding a president position, worked with Special Olympics for many years, served on the Clear Lake Property Owners Association as the Miller Drive Representative, served on the board at Holy Family Catholic Church Parish, and made many beautiful prayer shawls for fellow parishioners. She worked with the West Branch High School Alumni Association and was very involved in planning their yearly alumni banquet. She was an excellent cook and loved to cook for a crowd. Kay was the foster mother of a child in Mexico. She was very thoughtful and made numerous beautiful hand-crocheted afghans and other gifts for family and friends, never missing a birthday or special holiday. She loved to read, bowl and was an animal lover. She leaves behind a very special rescue cat, Mika.

Kay is survived by her daughters, Amy (Steve) Cleland and Kellie Salazar; grandchildren, Jose, Xavier, Gabriel, Gehenna, Julian, and Amaya; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Romana and Raul Aguilar, Margo Salazar, Calla Salazar, Bacilio and Inga Salazar, Johnny Salazar, Barney Salazar, Paul Salazar, Quireno and Lupe Salazar, Felice and Fred Vasquez, Sofia and Sal Rodriguez, Gloria and Roy Valdez, Adelina and Larry Schaneck, Marcos Salazar, and Bruna Salazar; cousins, Dave and Nancy Rosevear and Ed and Brandy Wackerman; nieces and nephews, two very close friends, Jane Salazar-Fisher and Mike Lambert. She married Domingo Salazar, the love of her life, on May 15, 1999 and he precedes her in death along with her parents and in-laws, Josephine Salazar, Mario Salazar, Norma Salazar and Linda Salazar.

Visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Thursday, January 21, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service at Holy Family Catholic Church in West Branch will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. Deacon Glen Painter will officiate. A graveside service will be held at the Lakeside Cemetery in Lake Odessa, MI on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions can be made to Area 4 Special Olympics or Holy Family Catholic Church.

Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com