Kay Alth

Kay Marie (McCoy) Althoff 69, formerly of Decatur passed away March 3, 2017 at Symphony of Lincoln, Lincoln, IL. Kay was born Sept 11, 1947 in Waterloo, IA, the daughter of C Gordon Graham and June (Larson) Graham. Kay’s father died when she was two years old. Her mother later married J Arnold McCoy who adopted Kay.Kay was a 1965 graduate of MacArthur High School in Decatur, IL. She continued her education at William Jewel and Eastern Illinois University earning a B.S. in Education. She completed her education by receiving her Master of Arts degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago. Kay’s love of special needs children led her to career in Special Education. She taught at South Shores School in Decatur and a suburb of Chicago before becoming Principal of Early Childhood Special Education in Alton, IL and retired as Supervisor for Special Education in the Alton, IL school system.Kay was a lifetime member of First Baptist Church of Decatur and a member of the Illinois Education Association, where she held several offices. Kay’s sisters in Alpha Delta Pi Sorority played a very special part in her life, maintaining many lifetime friendships that gave her much love, support and encouragement during her life and illness. Kay spent her retirement years at her home on Lake of the Ozarks until her health declined and she returned to Decatur to be closer to her family.Kay is survived by her brothers, Gary J McCoy, Niantic, IL and Thomas D McCoy (Ella DeWeese) Kearney, NE, sister in law Carol A McCoy, Argenta, IL, several nieces, nephews and a special friend, Cathy Elliott who she mentored in the field of special education.She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, David R McCoyKay will be remembered by her family and friends as a fun loving and caring person who never met a stranger.The family would like to thank the staff of Symphony of Lincoln for their exceptional care and kindness to Kay.Memorial services will be held at a later date. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, is assisting the family with arrangements.Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church of Decatur, IL or to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. "
}