"Kay" Marie O'Meara Obituary (1935 - 2016)

Kathryn Marie O'Meara "Kay" Kathryn Marie Fullington was born on December 5th, 1935 in her grandparent's home in Central City, Nebraska to Marian and Earl Fullington. Kay grew up on a farm and attended school in a one room schoolhouse which consisted of as few as 12 students. Her favorite memories as a child were playing with her siblings and activities with her extended family, including road trips to Colorado with her aunt and uncle. Kay graduated from Central City High School in 1953 and from St. Francis Nursing School in Grand Island, Nebraska in 1956. Upon graduation, she moved to Seattle with her good friend Bonnie (Kula) Rice and began work as a pediatric nurse. She only intended to stay for a couple of years. Those plans changed when her future husband, John O'Meara, caught sight of her while visiting Providence Hospital in Seattle. He was smitten immediately and arranged for a date. This chance meeting led to marriage on Feb 8th, 1958. They drove to San Francisco for their honeymoon. Nine months later they moved into their first home in the Wedgwood neighborhood of Seattle, just in time to welcome their first child. Kay transitioned from nurse to mother. Between 1958 and 1974 they were blessed with eight children. Kay loved her role as stay at home mother and made each of her children feel special and loved. She prepared homemade meals every night, sewed clothing and costumes, said prayers with her children each night, spent countless hours playing, and made every birthday an event to be remembered. Christmas was an especially important holiday to Kay. She loved giving gifts since as a child growing up during the depression, her own mother had to struggle to provide gifts, even renewing old dolls with new paint, hair and clothing. Having outgrown their small three bedroom house, Johnny built their new home, also in Wedgwood. Kay took care of the family while Johnny worked on the house during the day and at Boeing in the evening. The family moved in 1977 to the new house leaving behind their much loved 7723 44th Ave NE. Kay loved spending time with her 18 grandchildren and provided daycare for many. She kept a play room, a children's bedroom with toys, a collection of children's games and books, and a toy cupboard. Visiting Grandma's house was something her grandchildren loved to do. Kay and Johnny purchased their little riverside cabin in the woods and over the years completely remodeled it. They enjoyed going for weekend getaways and having an annual Summer get together with the whole family. In later years, Kay and Johnny enjoyed ?taking road trips. One time they drove to Maine, Tennessee, and California. On many of their trips they included a visit to Kay's family in Nebraska. Every year they enjoyed staying at Lake Quinault Lodge on their anniversary. Kay had a strong faith and was active in Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Parish. Their children attended the parish school. Kay was the school's volunteer nurse, Girl Scout leader, Den Mother and Campfire leader. She was a member of several groups at her parish and made about 1000 baby quilts for those in need. Kay was extremely generous and always put other's desires before her own. She took care of the needs of several sick and elderly parishioners and neighbors. Kay fought an incredibly courageous battle against cancer. As was her nature, she did not want attention during the fight. Kay passed away peacefully on January 28th surrounded by her family. Kay is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, John D. O'Meara Sr.; children,, Colleen (Paul) Brajcich, Kathleen O'Meara (Jim Davison), Maureen (Mike) Hooley, John O'Meara (fiancee Ruth Nichols), Aileen (Brian) Smith, Brendan (Rita) O'Meara, Michael (Kerry) O'Meara and Shannon Hamilton. She is also survived by eighteen grandchildren; brother, Maynard Fullington and sister, Nancy Johnson of Central City, NE, and many nieces, nephews and friends. Kay was preceded in death by her sister, Dorla Brooks, and son-in-law, David Hamilton. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on February 9th at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Seattle. A rosary will be held there at 7:00 PM February 8th, the date of their wedding anniversary. Family would like to thank everyone who provided the wonderful support Kay received during her illness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of the Lake, Saint Vincent de Paul, 8900 35th Ave NE, Seattle 98115. Please share your remembrances of Kay at harveyfuneral.com.