Mary Catherine (Kay) Yankovich, a beloved resident of Kansas City, Kansas, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2024, at the age of 85. Born on July 16, 1938, in Alliance, Nebraska, she was the daughter of the late John and Bernice Barry. Kay leaves behind a legacy of compassion and a life dedicated to caring for others.
Kay came to the Kansas City area from the Nebraska panhandle to pursue her education at Saint Mary College, School of Nursing, where she completed her Registered Nurse program in June of 1958. Her commitment to healing and nurturing others became evident early on in her career as she worked as a nurse in a private practice for Dr. James Pretz.
In 1960, Kay united in marriage with Ed Yankovich, and together they shared a life filled with love and joy. Their union blessed them with three children, Jan, Tony, and Jim. Kay's devotion to her family was unparalleled, and she found joy in spending time with her three children, nine grandchildren (Chris and Alex Sevedge; Katie, Ryan, Brett, and Macy Yankovich; and Jake, Nate, and Andy Yankovich), and five great-grandchildren Ashton, Hazel, and Cameron Sevedge; and Sterling and Calder Sevedge).
Later in life she continued her nursing journey in the outpatient department at Providence Medical Center, retiring in 2006.
Kay spent her adult life in Kansas City, Kansas where she built lasting connections within her community. Beyond her professional and familial commitments, she discovered peace and comfort in her faith and delight in nature. One of her favorite pastimes was watching deer visit her yard, grazing on apples and pears from the fruit trees that grew on her property.
She looked forward to attending mass weekly, hosting holiday get togethers, reading, lunches with her friends and colleagues, and was an active member in the Little Flower Circle.
Kay's love for family extended beyond state lines. She cherished the moments spent at the Oregon coast, where she reunited with her brothers and sisters, creating cherished memories that will be forever etched in their hearts.
Kay will be remembered not only for her dedication to the nursing profession but also for the warmth and kindness she shared with everyone she encountered.
She was preceded in death by husband, Ed Yankovich, her brother Pat Barry, sister Geri Corbell, and son-in-law Keith Sevedge, and survived by her brothers Dan Barry, Tim Barry, sisters Barb Swan and Peggy Schopp, her children and their families Jan Sevedge, Tony and Jenny Yankovich, and Jim and Amy Yankovich, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of family and friends who will miss her dearly.
The Funeral Mass to celebrate Kay's life will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3024 N. 53rd St., Kansas City, Kansas on January 11, 2024. The visitation will be from 8:30-10 a.m. with the Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Kansas City, KS. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
The family would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Ascend Hospice of Overland Park for the extraordinary care and support they provided to Kay and the family during the last few months and to The Heritage of Overland Park for their compassion and commitment to care during this difficult time.
For those wishing to make donations in Kay's name, they can be made to Ascend Hospice of Overland Park, Kansas.