LaVona Kay Stafford, hardworking woman
LaVona Kay Stafford passed away suddenly Saturday, July 14, 2018. Born in Caldwell, Idaho, Aug. 1, 1940, Kay relocated to northern Delaware after marrying Paul M. Stafford, an airman stationed in Mountain Home, Idaho, where their first two children, Cynthia Ann (Hammond) and Allen Lee, were born. Their third child, Dawn Lyn (Korup), was born on Kay’s 24th birthday in Maryland. Paul had two older brothers, Charles and Royce, who lived in Delaware, and Kay became great friends with both of their wives and often referred to Charles’ wife, Shirley, as the sister she never had.
Kay was a very social person with a keen sense of humor who never met a stranger. She could find something to talk about with everyone she encountered and was known by many people throughout the state. She loved to tell jokes, most off-color, which she would attempt to clean up when sharing with her son. She was also a very hardworking woman, often juggling multiple jobs to ensure that she provided for her children after her divorce in 1979. She was skilled at dealing with money and most of her jobs were finance related. She worked for many years as a lead cashier and then an office manager for A&P/SuperFresh grocery stores and then as a toll plaza manager for the State of Delaware. Kay retired in 2003 to battle and, ultimately, survive cancer.
Kay was very generous and kind, and was always willing to help anyone in need. In fact, it was not unusual for the Stafford dinner table to include someone Kay had recently met who was down on his or her luck or alone for a holiday. Kay and her youngest daughter loved to cook together and share recipes. She coordinated the creation of cookbooks to help raise funds for two organizations where she volunteered, the Elkton Lions Club and the Newark Senior Center. In 1999-2000, she was recognized as the Lion of the Year for her outstanding service, loyalty, and devotion to Lionism.
Kay enjoyed her weekly appointments at the beauty salon having her hair done by her great friend Geri, playing cards with Elaine, dining out, and shopping! She was a very thoughtful gift giver and loved to make every birthday and Christmas a memorable event for everyone. She always had backup gifts for unexpected guests so that they, too, would enjoy the special days. Her greatest pleasures, however, came while spending time with and helping her children and grandchildren.
In January 2014, Kay was diagnosed with a progressive neurological disorder that slowly affected her ability to communicate. Her son and his spouse had the privilege of sharing their home with her from that time until August 2017 when her needs could no longer be met in the family home in Lewes. At that time she became a resident in the memory unit of Cadia Renaissance in Millsboro where the staff provided her with excellent care and comfort.
Her oldest daughter, Cindy, and her longtime companion Paul Pittman, the love of her life, predeceased Kay. Her son Allen and his spouse David Cristy, her daughter Dawn and her spouse Patrick Korup, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews survive her.
A memorial service will be held in the Newark area at a future date.
The family extends their gratitude to the staff of the Bethany unit at Renaissance, the CHEER Center Alzheimer’s Day Care Center, and Vitas Hospice Care.
Please visit Kay's Life Memorial Webpage and sign her online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
