Lisa Cowder Kay

"Examine all things.  Hold fast to what is good.” 1st Thessalonians 5:21

Lisa Cowder Kay, 63, a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend passed away suddenly on August 24, 2021 in Albuquerque, NM after a long battle with chronic illness.

She was born to Ashley and Norma Cowder in Clearfield, PA in 1957.  She graduated from Neshannock High School in New Castle, PA, in 1975. Lisa then completed a business program from Bradford School in Pittsburg, PA  and worked as a legal secretary and other roles for the IRS, Covington and Burling law firm, and the American Petroleum Institute, all in Washington D.C. 

She was married in 1979 to Kerry Kay, in Columbus, OH.  Together they had two children in Marlton, NJ, and a few years later decided to make a big, cross country move to Albuquerque, NM.   Lisa and Kerry remained happily married, best friends and partners for life.

Lisa was an active, loving, stay-at-home  mom for her two children for many years before deciding to return to school to become an Xray technician, graduating at the top of her class in 2002.  She worked for Lovelace Hospital for many years after that, thoroughly enjoying her work helping patients. 

She enjoyed many activities, including hikes in the mountains, and walking along ocean beaches. She had a great talent and eye for creating and decorating which resulted in a beautiful home for her family.  Lisa loved reading, especially true-life books about the lives and accomplishments of others, which provided encouragement to continue her search to improve her own health. 

Lisa was fond of spending time with family, and walking her dog Rocky, but most of all she loved to help others, always there to provide words of wisdom, support, and thoughtful, delicious, healthy meals and gifts for her family.  She enjoyed simple pleasures, like watching the birds sing or the rain fall in her backyard, and planting flowers and encouraging them to grow with her own brand of TLC.  She also loved listening to music of all kinds, and the singing and dancing was not far behind.  It was a joy to watch her.

 The Christmas season was near to her heart.  She never missed sending birthday cards, gifts, and well-wishes to friends and family.  Written on one of her many sticky notes around her home were the words, “When given the choice between being right and kind, choose kind”. 

She had many real Facebook friends that enjoyed her kind and funny responses.  Lisa especially loved to laugh and make others laugh, and her sharp, wonderful sense of humor will be missed by all who knew and loved her. 

She is survived by her husband, Kerry Kay; her daughter Erynn Kay and son Ryan Kay; and her siblings Debra Plake, Steve Cowder, and Ashley Cowder.  We will all miss her dearly, and she will be in our hearts forever.