Mazzie, Catherine (Kay)

Kay was a kind and compassionate woman who led a meaningful life devoted to her family, faith and community. She led a life with much purpose as she championed the causes she felt a passion for. Kay was a 64 year member and past president of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 86 in Bethpage, and a 55 year member of Eight and Forty Salon 24. She was a past Nassau County, 10th District, and New York State president of the American Legion Auxiliary, and she served as American Legion Auxiliary National Executive Committeewoman for New York. As state president, Kay raised funds for the presentation of an eternal freedom flame and gatehouse at the entrance to the Medal of Honor Grove at Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge.

Kay was 50+ year member, and past president, of the Bethpage Fire Department Laies Auxiliary. She shared her talents with her church, St. Martin of Tours, where she served as an Eucharistic Minister and she brought communion to the hospitalized and homebound. She was a former catechist, and an active member of the Columbiettes, the Christian Mothers and the Young at Heart. She also served as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader and district coordinator of the former Mid-Island Council of Girl Scouts. Kay was a former vice-president of the N.Y.S. Women's Council for Civil Defense, and chairman of the N.C. Civil Defense Women's Division. She served as secretary to the Bethpage Memorial Day Committee for 50 years, and as a local Board of Elections inspector for 40 years and she still found time to give 2000 hours of service at Northport VA Hospital. Even though, she has moved from Bethpage she remained a member of the Central Park Historical Society, and we remember the interesting program she presented to our organization on the many flags of our nation.

Kay was an amazing woman! and made a difference in the lives of her family, friends and community. Kay passed away on March 15, 2011 at the age of 96. Kay was the beloved wife of the late John, loving mother of John A., Bette (John) Wischhusen and Sharon (Jay) Popiel.

Information from April 2011, Central Park Historical Society Newsletter