Kathleen "Kay" (Byrne) Newcomb

East Longmeadow – Kathleen “Kay” (Byrne) Newcomb died peacefully on February 15, 2017 with her daughter by her side. Kay was born July 11, 1923 to Eleanor (Dardis) and Hugh M. Byrne in Marlborough MA. She graduated from St. Anne’s Academy and Framingham State College. She lived most of her life and raised her family in Gardner where her husband, Mike operated a successful car dealership. She worked as a dietician at Heywood Memorial Hospital and later as a second grade teacher at Baldwinville Elementary School. She was an active member of Sacred Heart and Holy Spirit Churches of Gardner. Kay enjoyed summers at Queen Lake in Phillipston. Their camp being the gathering place for family and friends throughout the summer months. Following retirement, Kay and Mike wintered in Port Charlotte FL. She was an avid golfer and member of Petersham CC. and Port Charlotte CC. She was also an active member of The Chair City Walkers until moving into Assisted Living at The Reserve of East Longmeadow in October 2014 to be closer to her daughter. While at The Reserve she enjoyed the Garden Club, Baking Club, weekly musical entertainment, fireside conversations with new friends and Friday Happy Hours. Kay was loved by all for her kind and gentle spirit and her warm smile for everyone she met. Kay was predeceased by her loving husband, Mike in November 1999, her brother Jack Byrne and sisters Elinor Wellen, Marie Carter, Rita Wile, and Rose Byrne. She is survived by her sister Jean Byrne and her children, Sally Suomala and husband Rich of Springfield, Linda Hunter and husband Dana of Little Deer Isle, ME, Rusty Newcomb and wife Theresa of Gardner. She was the proud grandmother to Michael and Jason Suomala, Josh and Katy Hunter, and Jacob Newcomb, and four great grandchildren who always made her heart smile, Quinn, Jack, Brady, Liam. The family will be forever grateful to the nurses and entire staff at The Reserve and to Brenda and Linda her Hospice nurses for their compassion and loving care. A Celebration of Kay’s Life will be held on March 11, 2017 at Mack Funeral Home, 91 Vernon St. Gardner. Beginning with a visitation hour from 9:30 – 10:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at Holy Spirit Church, 50 Lovewell St. Gardner. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation may be made in Kay’s name to one of the following: The Reserve of East Longmeadow, Residents Activity Fund, 741 Parker St. East Longmeadow, MA. 01028; or Bay State Hospice, 50 Maple St. PO Box 9058, Springfield, MA. 01102-9058; or Queen Lake Assocoation c/o Luanne Royer, 3 Samuel Drive, Phillipston, MA. 01331. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com Mack Funeral Home, 91 Vernon St., Gardner, Ma is directing arrangements.