Kay Koch

Kay Koch of Fort Pierce, Florida passed away on September 22,2024.

She was born at Cottage Hospital in Grosse Pointe Michigan on 01-15-1943. A beautiful, loving, and vivacious soul, Kay had many dear friends and was Mom to a large extended family. She graduated from Western Michigan University in 1965 with her degree in education, she taught elementary school with the East Detroit, Michigan public schools for many years. 

She met and began dating Joe in 1983 then married Joe on 7-11-1985, they had many blessed years together with lots of love and laughter. With their love for one another, there was also a great friendship. They enjoyed traveling together, boating together and their daily game playing. A favorite, Spite and Malice with decades of scores recorded. Euchre, Dominoes and Rummy Cube too. 

They adopted multiple fur babies over the years. Their beloved dogs brought them love and joy and were very spoiled.

Kay enjoyed entertaining guests and hosting family gatherings. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and she loved to decorate her home into a festive winter wonderland. She also enjoyed the many boat trips on Lake Saint Clair Michigan with family and friends as well as cruising the Caribbean Islands. Kay loved to entertain guests in her home, or on evenings out at various locations. When you had a date with Kay and Joe, you knew you were in for an enjoyable time. 

Kay and her brother Tom grew up in Grosse Pointe Woods Michigan with their loving parents Mary Jane & Laurel Burroughs. They attended Grosse Pointe High School also known as “The High”. Prior to moving to Fort Pierce, Florida Kay and Joe lived in Harrison Township Michigan for many years. After spending many winters on North Hutchinson Island, Florida they purchased property on South Hutchinson Island and built their second home. In 2008 their Florida home became their primary residence.

Kay had an eye for design with exquisite taste that showed in her beautifully decorated homes. She also enjoyed arts and crafts and created many lovely things. She had many hobbies, her favorites bowling, boating and golf. Kay was an avid sports fan devoted to her Michigan teams. She especially loved football.

Known for her wit and humor, Kay was a willing listener who gave generous and compassionate support to all who knew her. Her friends regarded her as a trusted confidant, and they thought of her as the most loyal and supportive friend anyone could ever have. Kay and Judy Bivins (sisters of the heart) were each other’s very best friends for 76 years, they met in the first grade and were bonded by their love and friendship for a lifetime. They always enjoyed reminiscing about their many joint adventures. While watching the Michigan football games, they each had a pen that played the Michigan fight song and would call each other whenever a touchdown by Michigan was made. 

Kay and Roxane Charles had a very special relationship. Kay became a second Mom to Roxane. They loved each other like family and were kindred spirits. Shopping, golfing, traveling, playing cards or just sitting and talking, time spent together was treasured with beautiful memories made.

Kay adored her Florida friends. She referred to her sweet and loving friend Connie McIver as her little buddy. When her dear friend Mary Landreneau moved to South Hutchinson Island, they became the three Amigos. Many weekly board meetings were shared on Friday afternoons over the years with good friends. So many great memories with special friends over the years including Carrol and the late Paul Frishkorn, Catharine Laughlin, Patti & Tommy Merrell, Scott Jones and many others.

Kay was preceded in death by her loving parents Laurel and Mary Jane Burroughs. Kay is survived by her beloved husband Joe, her adoring dog Louie, and her loving and devoted brother Tom. She is also survived by her four adult stepchildren Joe Jr (Connie), Amy, Mollie (Marvin), Ben (Lisa), ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Forever in our hearts, Kay was a beautiful woman with a beautiful soul that will never be forgotten by her friends and family.