SHELBURNE, VT – Kay Marlene Guinn Life, 93, passed away on March 8, 2024, in Shelburne, Vermont at the Residence at Shelburne Bay with family by her side.
Kay was born in Independence, Kansas on June 28th, 1930. She was an only child to Leta Mae Hopkins (Muzzy) and C. Jay Lumen. At an early age, she learned to be independent and resourceful. She became an avid reader and loved to create art and sing. She and her Mom and eventually her adoptive father, William Guinn, moved around from Kansas to Missouri, Chicago, and then Fort Worth, TX where she graduated from Arlington Heights High School. She attended Gulf Port College in Mississippi, and Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, graduating in 1952 with a degree in Education. Shortly after graduation, she became a flight attendant with Braniff Airlines and spent 2 years traveling.
On January 9th, 1954, Kay married C. Willard Life and together they started their family. She was a devoted mother who also found time for her other passions, creating art, singing in the church choir at the Second Congregational Church in Westfield, MA, and volunteering her services at Noble Hospital and Valley Radio Reading Service.
Once her children were grown, Kay returned to school at the age of 50, and earned a B.F.A. in illustration at Massachusetts College of Art in Boston. A gifted artist and illustrator, Kay’s illustrations often featured her children and grandchildren who served as models for her work. Her professional career culminated with The Last Mermaid, her self-published children’s book that she wrote and illustrated.
She is survived by her four children, Lani Life Fuller and Art, Dr. Lawrence Life and Lauren, Lorilee Life, Luana Life and VJ Comai; her six grandchildren Cale (Melissa), Josh (Stephanie), Lindsay (Kevin), Leah, Brooke (Chris), Max (Jenna), four step-grandchildren Amanda (Nico), Ben, Nathan and Sam; and seven great-grandchildren Millie, Kai, Hadleigh, Cade, Camden, Brooks and Liam.
She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Will, her stepsisters, Ann and Arlene, and her cherished dogs, Penny, Beau, Kimberly, and Jean Claude.
Ever the gracious and beautiful woman, Kay loved unconditionally and always welcomed family, friends, and her children’s friends into her home. She truly treasured her family and her friends and had a deep appreciation for the natural world. All who were blessed to know her may find comfort in her enduring art, faith, gratitude and love.
The family would like to thank the dedicated and caring staff at The Residence at Shelburne Bay and the wonderful support and compassion provided by Bayada Hospice.
A private family celebration of Kay’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to the charity of your choice.
