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Karen ‘Kay’ D. Bryan, 80

Karen “Kay” D. Bryan, 80, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away peacefully at home on April 9, 2018. She was born to the late John and Cecilia (Leighton) DeWall, on Nov. 20, 1937, in Estelline, S.D. They resided in Watertown, S.D., until the family moved to San Diego, Calif., where Kay graduated from Kearney High School. She continued her education, earning a B.A. in English and theater arts and a teaching credential at San Diego State University, where she was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority.

She married Walter R. Bryan on Oct. 10, 1959, in Las Vegas, Nev. They made their home in San Diego, where she worked as a teacher and mentor at Marston and Standley Jr. High Schools. Kay was a lifelong learner and teacher. She continued her education at UCSD and Alliant International University, and she completed a master’s degree in gifted education.

She retired in 1993 and they moved to Hayden Lake, Idaho, and she later moved to Coeur d’Alene after the passing of her husband in 1994. Kay enjoyed many crafting hobbies including quilting, knitting and crocheting. Her passion for giving back led her to Hospice of North Idaho, where she volunteered and managed the thrift store for nearly two decades and served on the board of directors for a term.

She is survived by daughter Cindy Rudi of Coeur d’Alene; Mark Bryan of Azusa, Calif.; sister Janet Zak, of Las Vegas; five grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; two nieces and five nephews.

Memorial services and a celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at the new Community Building at Hospice of North Idaho, 2280 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.